The Provincial Consortium of Valencia Firefighters, under the Provincial Council of Valencia, has implemented its Reinforcement Procedure for Adverse Weather Phenomena. This action is in response to the intense rain warnings issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), which have placed a significant portion of the province on red alert.
The special operation, which is now active, will initially remain in place until 12:00 PM on Friday, though its duration may be extended or updated based on the evolving meteorological situation.
The president of the Consortium and provincial deputy for Environment, Avelino Mascarell, emphasized the importance of proactive measures and adequate resource allocation for rapid response. "Faced with an episode of this nature, it is crucial to anticipate and scale resources to respond quickly wherever necessary," he stated. Mascarell also urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and strictly follow the guidance of emergency services.
The reinforcement effort mobilizes a total of 230 additional personnel. This includes 35 professional firefighters, along with command and coordination staff. Furthermore, 40 volunteer firefighters and 155 members of the Forest Brigades (BRIFO) are joining, extending their service hours. This deployment supplements the 110 professional firefighters on regular duty, bringing the total available force to 340 during the weather event.
Within the professional fire stations, staffing levels have increased by approximately 30%. Four additional personnel have been assigned to each station in Sagunto, Paterna, Torrent, Gandia, Alzira, and Requena. The presence of command and coordination staff has also been enhanced to improve the operational response and management capabilities.
The operational plan also includes strengthening the Communications and Control Center (CCC) and the immediate activation of the seven volunteer fire stations located in Sinarcas, Titaguas, Chelva, Cofrentes, Ayora, Navarrés, and Vallada. The Forest Brigades BRIFO have also extended their working hours to boost the Consortium's operational capacity for potential incidents arising from the rainfall.
Given the forecast of significant rainfall accumulation, the Valencia Firefighters Consortium advises citizens to exercise extreme caution and limit travel. It is reminded that people should not drive through flooded or flood-prone areas, particularly ravines, bridges, underpasses, and secondary rural roads, and should not attempt to cross them.
Additionally, it is recommended to check household drainage systems, keep terraces and patios clear, and remove any objects that could be displaced by wind or water, hindering rainwater evacuation. Staying informed through official channels of the Generalitat Valenciana and AEMET, and heeding emergency service instructions, is also advised.
