El Saler Evacuated as Massive Wildfire Hits Valencia’s Albufera Natural Park
- An out-of-control forest fire burning in the Devesa de El Saler in València has forced the emergency evacuation of the local town, nearby campsites, and a wildlife recovery...
- Emergency teams deployed 12 aerial units before sunset alongside 40 ground vehicles, 250 professionals, and a detachment from the Military Emergency Unit, as reported by EFE.
- Authorities have transferred roughly 120 displaced residents via municipal buses to emergency reception sites set up at L'Alqueria del Basket and La Fonteta, according to statements from València...
An out-of-control forest fire burning in the Devesa de El Saler in València has forced the emergency evacuation of the local town, nearby campsites, and a wildlife recovery center. The wildfire began at approximately 1 o’clock on Thursday within the La Albufera Natural Park, scorching 31.38 hectares and prompting a level 2 preemergence decree due to sudden wind shifts, according to EFE.
Wildfire Forces Emergency Evacuation in València
Massive Air and Ground Deployment Fights the Flames
Emergency teams deployed 12 aerial units before sunset alongside 40 ground vehicles, 250 professionals, and a detachment from the Military Emergency Unit, as reported by EFE. The sudden emergence of strong winds caused the flames to turn away from the sea and head toward the urban center, driving the Generalitat to dispatch an Es-Alert mobile warning system ordering residents to leave.
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Displaced Residents Housed in Emergency Shelters
Authorities have transferred roughly 120 displaced residents via municipal buses to emergency reception sites set up at L’Alqueria del Basket and La Fonteta, according to statements from València Mayor María José Catalá cited by EFE. Families with children or individuals facing mobility challenges are being moved to more comfortable locations.
Active Flames Keep Evacuees Away Overnight
Conseller of Emergencies Juan Carlos Valderrama confirmed during a Cecopi meeting that evacuees cannot return overnight because active flames continue, as noted by EFE. The Gola de Pujol sector, a residential apartment tower, and nearby beaches were cleared as the threat escalated through the afternoon.
Highway Closures and Patrols Secure the Perimeter
The regional government has shuttered traffic along the CV-500 highway connecting the natural park to València, alongside the CV-421 route. Government delegate Pilar Bernabé announced that the Guardia Civil will step up patrols within the evacuated perimeter to secure empty properties while firefighters battle the blaze.
Environmental Toll Prompts Future Reforestation Plans
Mayor Catalá described the affected landscape as the “pulmón verde” of València, noting that local residents are mourning the damage to a site of profound environmental and emotional value. Officials intend to roll out a reforestation plan once crews successfully bring the flames under control and daylight permits the return of aerial assets.
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