The fire declared in the Vall d'Uixó is spreading uncontrollably. The Valencian Generalitat has ordered the evacuation of five new municipalities and activated the ES-Alert system.
The forest fire that started in the Vall d'Uixó (Castellón) has continued to advance over the last few hours, forcing the Valencian Generalitat to decree new preventive evacuations. The municipalities of Aín, Alfondeguilla, Alcudia de Veo and their districts, as well as Tales and Artesa, have received evacuation orders. Several urbanisations in the area have also been affected.
Residents must leave their homes using the CV-230 road towards Onda, following the instructions of emergency services. This measure adds to the evacuations already decreed on Wednesday in La Vilavella, Artana, and Eslida, raising the number of affected municipalities to nine due to total or partial evacuations.
The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat has activated the ES-Alert system, sending a message to mobile phones in the affected areas to inform them of the evacuation order and provide self-protection instructions. This mass alert system allows immediate communication with the entire population in the risk area.
Meanwhile, the municipalities of Vall d'Uixó and Betxí remain confined, a measure taken to reduce risks while firefighting efforts continue. Confinement means that residents must stay in their homes with doors and windows closed and avoid any unnecessary travel.
The Integrated Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopi) has been meeting since 19:30 to analyse the evolution of the fire and coordinate the extensive response deployed. The firefighting efforts involve personnel from the Military Emergency Unit (UME), firefighters from the Castellón Provincial Council, and aerial resources from the Generalitat.
Weather conditions, with westerly winds and low humidity, have hindered the control of the flames. The fire, which has already burned hundreds of hectares of woodland, remains active, and the safety perimeter has been expanded in recent hours.
For the residents of Mallorca, this emergency serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for forest fires, especially in risk areas. Authorities recommend following the instructions of Civil Protection and having a family evacuation plan. In the event of finding themselves in a similar situation, it is essential to remain calm and heed the instructions of emergency services.
The Valencian Generalitat has set up reception points for evacuees in Onda and other nearby municipalities. Affected individuals are advised to contact family or friends to arrange accommodation and to follow official emergency channels for updates on the situation.
The Vall d'Uixó fire has mobilised a significant emergency response that is working tirelessly to control the flames. It is expected that the alert level will remain high overnight and that the evolution of the fire can be assessed more accurately in the coming hours.
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