Extinguishing efforts have led to the stabilization of the fire that broke out in Vall d'Uixó. This improvement in the situation has enabled residents of Eslida and Artana, the last villages to remain evacuated, to return to their homes. The announcement was made by the Minister of Emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama, following a Cecopi meeting.
Despite the improvement, the minister urged caution for onlookers and requested they avoid the burnt area, which has a perimeter of 89 kilometers. Valderrama reminded that the fire is stabilized but "by no means controlled or extinguished." Stabilization means the fire is contained within established control lines, but the full extinction phase may still take several days.
The minister warned of the risk of landslides in the burnt areas and stressed the importance of keeping routes clear for potential intervention by emergency services. Ground crews will remain in the area overnight, and aerial resources will join tomorrow to tackle any remaining hot spots.
The latest estimates place the burnt area at 9,568 hectares, of which approximately 3,800 hectares are within the Serra d’Espadà Natural Park, about 12% of its total area. Artana is the municipality that has lost the most forest area, with 3,160 hectares.
Both Minister Valderrama and the deputy government delegate in Castellón, Antonia García, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the firefighting teams and the patience and civic-mindedness of the residents. García emphasized inter-administrative collaboration and urged against unnecessary travel to the fire zone to avoid hindering firefighters and to aid future reforestation.
