The fire affecting the Sierra de Espadán has several active fronts in Eslida, Montí, and the area between Alcúdia de Veo and Aín. Authorities are hopeful that the rise in nighttime humidity will help control the flames, while the evacuation of Tales remains in effect.
The forest fire that has been ravaging the Sierra de Espadán for days has already burned 8,500 hectares, according to the latest official report from the Integrated Operational Coordination Centre (CECOPI). The flames remain active on several fronts, particularly aggressively near Eslida, around the Montí peak, and in the area advancing towards Alcúdia de Veo and Aín.
CECOPI, meeting at 19:00 on Thursday, has confirmed that the fire maintains a high reactive intensity around the perimeter of Tales, Alcúdia de Veo, and Aín. Despite the fire's aggressiveness during the central hours of the day, those in charge of the operation are hopeful that the anticipated increase in relative humidity for the night will help slow its advance.
The town of Tales remains evacuated as a precaution. The City Council has confirmed that the evacuation order is still in effect for safety reasons and that they are awaiting decisions from CECOPI.
“As soon as the Generalitat issues a new order or authorises the return of residents, we will communicate it immediately and in full,” municipal sources have stated.
Authorities have reiterated a call for calm and urged the public to follow only the instructions of security forces and emergency services. They have also requested that only official sources be consulted to avoid the spread of rumours or unverified information on social media.
The fire, which broke out in the area of La Vall d'Uixó, has affected twelve towns: Vall d’Uxó, La Vilavella, Artana, Bechí, Onda, Tales, Artesa, Veo, Ahín, Eslida, Chóvar, and Alfondeguilla. The burned area of 8,500 hectares already represents one of the largest forest fires recorded in the Valencian Community in recent years.
Extinguishing teams, coordinated by the Valencian Generalitat, are working tirelessly to contain the flames. During Thursday, aerial and ground resources have been employed, although the rugged terrain of the sierra complicates operations in some areas.
Looking ahead to the early hours of the morning, weather forecasts indicate an increase in humidity and a drop in temperatures, factors that could facilitate perimeter control. However, the wind remains an unpredictable variable that could reignite hotspots at any moment.
The Valencian Generalitat has activated the Special Plan against the Risk of Forest Fires (PEIF) at level 2, allowing for the coordination of state and regional resources. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also been deployed to the area to support extinguishing efforts.
Residents of Tales, who were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon, are staying with family or in shelters set up by the City Council. Local authorities have assured that they are in constant contact with those affected and will inform them promptly of any updates.
The Sierra de Espadán fire has put the entire region on alert, where accumulated drought and high temperatures in recent days have created conditions conducive to the spread of fire. Experts warn that recovery of the area, a protected natural space of great ecological value, will take years.
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