The head of the operation, Antonio Rodrigo, confirmed that the fifth day of the Vall d'Uixó fire was the best since it started on Saturday. Weather conditions were favorable, with no thermal inversion or strong winds, and the heatwave had little impact. Up to 400 personnel and 35 aerial resources worked without issues, unlike previous days where flare-ups and weather had complicated planning.
A hopeful sign is that, for the first time, the burned hectares did not increase. In fact, they were reduced to 9,300 hectares after a more accurate measurement, with a perimeter of 82 kilometers. Efforts have focused on the fire's head and especially the Artana area, where flare-ups have occurred. The heritage site of the hermitage of Santa Bárbara de Onda was also saved.
The Tales-Alfondeguilla front is "quite good," according to Rodrigo, who highlighted the attack power and available resources. The early morning hours are considered "critical" for advancing stabilization, with a clearer picture expected in about 48 hours.
Minister of Science, Diana Morant, expressed being "more optimistic" and emphasized the collaboration between administrations of different political leanings, contrasting it with the political tension surrounding the Madrid-Ávila fire.
The Minister of Emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama, confirmed that the evacuation of 7,600 people from 15 towns and the confinement of 2,000 in urbanizations in Onda and Betxí will remain in place until 11:59 PM this Thursday. Drinking bottled water is recommended in la Vilavella, and an operation has been set up to feed animals in evacuated villages.
The Diputación de Castellón has opened the Penyeta Roja center (75 beds) and the UJI has ceded its residence (150 rooms) for the evacuated individuals' rest. The Balneario de la Vilavella has also provided 20 rooms. Over 1,200 people, including healthcare workers, security forces, and personnel from regional and national departments, are mobilized.
The weather forecast for today is similar, with a possibility of thermal inversion that could trap smoke and cause flare-ups. The fire, already one of Castellón's most severe in decades, remains active, and firefighters will not declare it stabilized until guarantees are met.
