The fire, declared this Saturday in Vall d'Uixó, has forced the evacuation of thousands of people from around fifteen towns in Plana Baixa. The flames are spreading uncontrollably and have already devastated hundreds of hectares.
A devastating forest fire that started this Saturday in the municipality of Vall d'Uixó, in the Castellón region of Plana Baixa, has led to the evacuation of approximately 18,000 residents from 15 towns. The flames, fanned by the wind and high temperatures, have compelled authorities to initiate mass evacuations to protect the population.
The first evacuations affected about 8,000 residents of Vilavella, Artana, Eslida, Alfondeguilla, and the Toledo neighbourhood of Vall d'Uixó, as well as areas of the Carbonaire neighbourhood in the same town. The evacuation order was issued suddenly, creating scenes of tension and anxiety as residents attempted to leave their homes in their own vehicles. Emergency services assisted elderly and dependent individuals in leaving their homes.
Subsequently, a preventive evacuation was ordered for Alcudia de Veo, Tales and its urbanisations, Artesa (a district of Onda), Aín, and a mountainous area of Betxí, adding another 2,000 evacuees. Later, the municipalities of Sueras, Torralba del Pinar, Villamalur, Fuentes de Ayódar, Ayódar, and Chóvar also received the order to leave their homes, raising the total number to 18,000 people.
Authorities have set up the Burriana residence and the Nules sports centre as reception centres for evacuees who do not have family or friends to stay with. Basic assistance and temporary accommodation are provided there while the situation stabilises.
The fire, which began in an area difficult to access, has already destroyed hundreds of hectares of forest. Firefighting teams are working tirelessly to contain the flames, but adverse weather conditions complicate their efforts. The Civil Guard has closed several roads in the area to facilitate evacuation efforts and prevent access to affected areas.
The Balearic Government is closely monitoring the evolution of the fire, although there is currently no evidence that it affects residents of the Islands. However, Mallorcans planning to travel to the Valencian Community are advised to check the state of the roads and follow the authorities' instructions.
The fire has also caused power outages in some towns, and air quality has been affected within a radius of several kilometres. Health authorities recommend that residents of nearby areas stay indoors with windows closed.
The president of the Valencian Generalitat has visited the disaster area and promised all necessary resources to combat the fire. It is expected that in the coming hours a more precise assessment of the burned area and material damage can be made.
For the residents of Mallorca, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing forest fires, especially in a context of climate change that increases the risk of devastating fires. Island authorities recommend taking extra precautions during outings to the countryside and avoiding any activities that could generate sparks or flames.
The evolution of the fire in Castellón is being monitored minute by minute. It is hoped that in the coming hours the advance of the flames can be contained if weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, the 18,000 evacuees remain waiting to return to their homes, although authorities warn that the priority is to ensure their safety.
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