A major wildfire near Segorbe has forced the evacuation of Gátova. Over 600 hectares have burned. Emergency teams focus on preventing the fire from crossing key roads as weather conditions remain uncertain.
Emergency services in Castellón have spent the night working to contain a wildfire near Segorbe, with efforts focused on preventing the flames from reaching the municipality of Gátova. The fire, which began Thursday night after a lightning strike, has already burned 633 hectares and forced the evacuation of around 1,000 people from Gátova, according to regional authorities. The perimeter of the blaze now stretches 15 kilometers, and the situation remains critical as the day progresses.
Firefighters, supported by 25 aircraft and helicopters—14 of which are provided by the regional government—have concentrated resources on stopping the fire from crossing the CV-25 road, the main access route to Gátova. Heavy machinery was deployed overnight to take advantage of improved humidity and lighter winds, allowing crews to reinforce defensive lines. The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME), forest and provincial firefighters, police, and Red Cross teams are all involved, with about 350 personnel on the ground.
Authorities report that the night was relatively calm from a meteorological perspective, with humidity above 70% and mild winds, which helped slow the fire’s advance. However, officials warn that the situation could deteriorate during the central hours of the day, when higher temperatures and shifting winds may reignite aggressive fire behavior. Raúl Gil, director of the Advanced Command Post for the Castellón Provincial Fire Consortium, noted that while the night allowed for effective work, caution is still needed as the fire remains active and conditions can change rapidly.
On Friday, the Generalitat Valenciana issued two Es-Alert warnings to Gátova residents: the first advised people to stay indoors due to smoke, and the second, later in the afternoon, ordered a full evacuation. The population of Gátova, which can reach 1,000 in summer, was moved to safety, with 37 people and 10 pets accommodated at Bétera’s municipal sports center and several dependent residents relocated to a care facility in Carlet. The evacuation order remains in effect as of Saturday morning.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts that winds from the east and southeast could intensify in the afternoon, with gusts exceeding 30 km/h in the fire zone. While some low cloud cover is present, there is currently no expectation of rain to assist firefighting efforts. The vulnerability of the local forest, especially during peak daytime heat, continues to be a concern for emergency teams.
Wildfires have become a recurring challenge in Spain, with recent years marked by severe incidents and resource strains. As highlighted in a related report on firefighter shortages and equipment issues in Castilla y León, the increasing frequency and intensity of such events put additional pressure on emergency services across the country. The Segorbe fire underscores the ongoing risks faced by rural communities during the summer season and the importance of rapid, coordinated response.
For context, Spain’s wildfire season typically peaks between June and September, with lightning strikes, high temperatures, and dry conditions contributing to outbreaks. Regional governments have invested in aerial firefighting resources and specialized units like the UME, but the scale of recent fires has tested these capabilities. The current situation in Segorbe is being closely monitored, with authorities urging residents to follow official instructions and remain alert to further developments.
