The forest fire declared in Vall d'Uixó has already burned 10,000 hectares. The thermal inversion, which traps smoke in low layers, limits the action of aerial resources and forces ground crews to exercise extreme caution.
The forest fire that has been raging in Vall d'Uixó, Castellón, since last Monday has devoured 10,000 hectares. The fire, which remains active and uncontrolled, has necessitated the deployment of 642 ground personnel and 34 aerial resources, but the thermal inversion recorded this Tuesday has significantly complicated extinction efforts.
Thermal inversion is an atmospheric phenomenon where air temperature increases with altitude, contrary to the usual pattern. This creates a layer of warm air that acts as a barrier, preventing smoke and combustion gases from rising and dispersing. As a result, smoke becomes trapped in lower layers, reducing visibility and making it difficult to locate active fronts.
Aerial resources, including helicopters and planes, have been unable to operate under the necessary safety conditions due to poor visibility. The head of the operation, Fernando Pérez, has indicated that the flare-ups recorded during the day have delayed the potential stabilization of the fire and have hindered firefighters' progress at the expected pace.
The concentrated smoke also poses a risk to ground teams, who may be exposed to high concentrations of toxic gases. The lack of natural ventilation complicates breathing and orientation, and can trap firefighters in dangerous areas. Authorities have heightened monitoring of weather developments and air quality, especially to protect the population in nearby municipalities, such as the elderly, children, and those suffering from respiratory diseases.
The dissipation of the thermal inversion will be key for the smoke to disperse, visibility to improve, and aerial resources to resume their work continuously. Until then, the extinction device will need to adapt its strategy to adverse atmospheric conditions that dictate the pace of operations.
The fire, which started last Monday, has mobilized numerous resources from the Valencian Generalitat, the State, and other autonomous communities. The flames have affected a vast forest and agricultural area, forcing the preventive evacuation of several homes. Authorities maintain active alert levels and urge the public to avoid approaching the area and to follow the instructions of emergency services.
The evolution of the fire will largely depend on weather conditions. It is expected that in the coming hours the thermal inversion will dissipate, allowing for greater aerial deployment. Meanwhile, ground teams continue to work to contain the advance of the flames and protect inhabited areas.
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