The fire, which started last Saturday, has forced the evacuation of around 10,000 people from fifteen municipalities in the Sierra de Espadán area. Officials at the Advanced Command Post (PMA) have reported that 'some flame zones' are still active, with efforts focused on securing the perimeter and consolidating open fronts, particularly on the western flank between Tales and Alfondeguilla.
More than 1,200 professionals are participating in the firefighting efforts, with 352 working directly on the ground. The incorporation of over 30 aerial resources is expected, thanks to favorable weather conditions.
The PMA's operational director, Fernando Kindelán, described the scenario as 'very complex' due to the dense forest mass and difficult terrain. Despite the absence of wind, the heavy smoke concentration hinders the operation of aerial resources. Teams are working to consolidate active fronts and contain the fire, especially on the left flank between Tales and Alfondeguilla.
Despite the onset of a new heatwave, firefighting services are hopeful that humidity levels will allow for continued perimeter consolidation. The objective is to control the fire 'as soon as possible,' although it is considered 'very difficult to establish forecasts'.
The Minister of Emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama, confirmed that 14 municipalities and around 10,000 people remain evacuated. Of these, 310 are housed in shelters in Segorbe, Onda, Nules, and Moncófar. The relocation of 172 people to other facilities is planned to improve their rest.
The Government delegate, Pilar Bernabé, announced an reinforcement of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) deployment, with two full sections per shift. Over 435 Spanish Government personnel are mobilized, and personnel from the Reserve and Security Group (GRS) of the Guardia Civil of València will join to enhance security in evacuated areas.
The fire has shown flare-ups in areas such as Artana and the Alcudia de Veo-Tales axis. Night operations have been positive due to the use of technical fire and direct attack in sensitive sectors like Alfondeguilla, Eslida, and Tales-Alcudia de Veo.
The perimeter has expanded to 81 kilometers, affecting approximately 9,300 hectares. Confinement measures have been partially lifted in La Vilavella, Betxí, and Onda, although some urbanizations are still affected.
The Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) met today with the participation of the President of the Generalitat, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, and the Minister of Science, Diana Morant. The absolute priority remains the safety of the population and the firefighting teams.
