Residents of the towns of Aín, Alcudia de Veo and their hamlets, as well as Tales, the urbanizations of Betxí, and the hamlet of Artesa, within the municipality of Onda, will be able to return to their homes after the evacuation order issued due to the fire that broke out last Saturday in Vall d'Uixó was lifted. The fire remains active with an "improving" evolution and has burned 12% of the hectares in the Serra d'Espadà.
This decision was made after a meeting of the Integrated Coordination Operations Center (Cecopi) held at 10:00 AM. The affected area amounts to 9,599 hectares, of which 3,750 (40%) correspond to the Serra d'Espadà Natural Park. The burned percentage of the park, which spans 31,180 hectares, is reduced to 12% according to the latest measurements.
Appreciation was expressed for the professionals who worked through the night, enabling "key" advancements. With the withdrawal of personnel loaned from other autonomous communities, operations are continuing with 17 aerial resources and ground teams. Following the lifting of the order for Aín, Alcudia de Veo, Tales, the urbanizations of Betxí, and Artesa, only Artana and Eslida remain evacuated. A new Cecopi meeting is scheduled for 5:00 PM to assess if the evacuation order can also be lifted in these two locations.
Of the 5,200 residents who were displaced, 2,400 have now returned, while approximately 2,815 remain evacuated, with about 50 staying in reception centers. Bottled water has been provided to all affected municipalities to ensure safe consumption, and the water in Betxí, Vall d'Uixó, Onda, Alfondeguilla, and La Vilavella is deemed fit for human consumption. Air quality levels are considered "optimal".
