The decision to evacuate Catí and the l'Avellà urbanization, which houses a spa and the hermitage of Mare de Déu de l'Avellà, was made due to the fire's proximity and the presence of smoke in the town. The president of the Provincial Council, Marta Barrachina, emphasized the need to follow emergency service instructions.
Residents were directed towards Xert, which accommodated 32 individuals at its sports center, set up as a temporary shelter with support from the Red Cross. The Guardia Civil assisted in relocating people with reduced mobility to Morella.
The population of Catí had increased in recent days due to the upcoming local festivals, with over 900 people present, about 200 more than its registered population. Many of these visitors are children and grandchildren of locals returning for the summer.
The fire, which became uncontrolled after jumping a diversion, reached some farms on the outskirts of the town. Residents are concerned about the state of natural areas like the Bassa de les Ortigues, an ecologically and scenically valuable site. Prioritizing the evacuation of livestock from farms was also a key task.
