Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
Leave a rating — takes one click.
The Costa Blanca is one of Europe's most densely visited coastlines and also one of its driest. Behind the beaches rise steep coastal ranges covered in pine and scrub: the Montgó above Dénia, the Serra Gelada behind Benidorm, and the wooded hills inland around Alcoi. Many urbanisations were built directly into this vegetation, so when a fire starts, homes, villas and campsites are often in the firing line within minutes rather than hours.
This map plots every satellite heat detection between Valencia and Murcia, refreshed as new passes come in. Search for your resort or town and switch on fire alerts to see instantly whether a hotspot is heading your way, or whether the coast remains clear while a fire burns inland.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
Marina Alta: Dénia, Xàbia and the Montgó
The Montgó natural park sits right against residential streets in Dénia and Xàbia. Fires here regularly trigger evacuations of hillside urbanisations, since many access roads are narrow, winding and end in a single cul-de-sac with no alternative escape route.
Benidorm, Altea and the Serra Gelada
Dry scrubland hills sit wedged between hotel towers and apartment blocks. Even a small fire can send smoke drifting over the resort within an hour and force temporary closure of the coastal N-332 road, disrupting transfers and excursions.
The interior: Alcoi, Xixona and Villena
Extensive pine forest and terraced almond groves cover the mountainous interior. This is where Alicante province's largest fires typically start, often driven towards the coast by the hot, dry poniente wind that can arrive with little warning.
Is there a wildfire near the Costa Blanca right now?
The map shows every hotspot NASA FIRMS satellites have recorded over the past 18 hours between Valencia and Murcia. No dots means no significant fire was detected in that window. Press Live refresh to pull in the latest satellite pass immediately.
When is the wildfire season worst here?
Risk peaks from June to September. The most dangerous days come with poniente, a hot, dry westerly wind that can push humidity below 25 percent and turn a small ignition into a fast-moving fire within minutes.
What should I do if a fire is near my hotel or campsite?
Identify the one or two exit routes from your urbanisation in advance, keep documents and water ready, and follow instructions from the Guardia Civil or campsite staff. If smoke approaches, stay indoors with windows closed rather than trying to drive out through it.
Are barbecues and open fires allowed?
During the fire season, barbecues outside fixed, permitted installations, fireworks away from designated zones, agricultural burning and spark-producing tools in or near woodland are all banned. The Generalitat Valenciana publishes a daily risk level per municipality.
What are the emergency numbers in Spain?
Call 112 for any fire, medical or civil protection emergency. Give your location, the nearest village or road, and describe what you can see, including smoke colour and wind direction if visible.
How does this map relate to the full Spain map?
This view is zoomed into the coastal stretch between Valencia and Murcia. For the whole country, including inland Andalusia and Galicia, use the Spain map; for continent-wide coverage, use the Europe map.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in the Costa Blanca?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.