A wildfire broke out midday in the Devesa de El Saler, Valencia. Firefighters and aircraft were deployed to contain the flames. Authorities evacuated parking areas and restricted access due to the risk.
A wildfire erupted just after midday on Thursday in the protected Devesa de El Saler area of Valencia, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. The incident, which began near the Gola de Pujol, led to the deployment of three aerial units and six municipal fire crews as authorities worked to contain the flames in this sensitive part of the Albufera Natural Park.
Local police initiated preventive evacuations of the parking area and established controls at all access points to limit movement and ensure public safety, according to information from the Ayuntamiento de València. The fire was first reported when a visible column of smoke rose from the Gola de Pujol, quickly drawing attention from multiple vantage points across the city.
In response, six fire teams were dispatched to the scene, supported by three aerial resources provided by the Generalitat. To further prevent the spread of the fire, the high-pressure Sideinfo water cannon network in El Saler was activated, soaking the surrounding vegetation and creating a protective barrier around the affected perimeter.
The situation was complicated by weather conditions, as the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued a yellow alert for the entire Valencia coastline from noon to 8 p.m. due to high temperatures. Maximums were expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius, driven mainly by westerly winds, increasing the risk of fire propagation and making firefighting efforts more challenging.
This incident follows a series of recent wildfires across Spain, including a major blaze in Las Hurdes that forced mass evacuations and burned thousands of hectares, as detailed in coverage of the Las Hurdes emergency. The recurrence of such events highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Spain’s natural reserves during periods of extreme heat and wind.
The Devesa de El Saler is a critical ecological zone within the Albufera Natural Park, known for its unique dune and wetland ecosystems. Fires in this area not only threaten biodiversity but also disrupt recreational and tourism activities that are vital to the local economy. The use of advanced hydraulic systems like Sideinfo reflects a broader trend in Spanish fire prevention, where technology and rapid coordination between agencies are increasingly central to protecting both people and natural heritage.
