Three individuals are being investigated for their alleged involvement in recent wildfires in Castellón. The Guardia Civil highlights the risk of severe penalties and urges caution as fire danger rises with summer heat.
Authorities in Castellón have opened investigations into three men suspected of causing separate wildfires in the province, as the Guardia Civil intensifies its campaign against forest fire risks this summer. The cases, all registered in June and July, have drawn attention due to their proximity to populated areas and the deliberate nature of the incidents, according to official statements.
The first incident occurred on June 13 in Soneja, where a nighttime blaze broke out on an agricultural plot close to the town center. The fire, which affected around 45 square meters, alarmed local residents because of its nearness to homes. Investigators from the SEPRONA unit in Segorbe identified a 64-year-old man as the suspected perpetrator. Evidence suggests the fire was started intentionally using an incendiary substance. Authorities clarified that this event is unrelated to another fire reported in Soneja on July 6.
In a separate case, SEPRONA officers from Castellón linked a 38-year-old man to an attempted forest fire on June 20 near kilometer 9.5 of the CV-190 road in Adzaneta. After inspecting the site, agents noted the fire's dangerous proximity to forested land and the potential for rapid spread. The man is now under investigation for attempted arson.
The third investigation, led by SEPRONA in Sant Mateu, centers on a man suspected of causing a wildfire through an unauthorized bonfire. According to the Guardia Civil, the fire spread from the bonfire into a nearby forested area, prompting charges related to endangering public safety.
All three cases have been referred to the appropriate judicial authorities. The Guardia Civil has reiterated that those responsible for wildfires may face not only administrative fines—potentially reaching €600,000—but also civil and criminal liability for damages and firefighting costs. The agency stresses that the legal consequences can be severe, especially when fires are set intentionally or through gross negligence.
With temperatures rising and dry vegetation accumulating, the risk of wildfires in Spain is at its peak during the summer months. The Guardia Civil urges the public to avoid burning waste, lighting fires outside authorized areas, or discarding cigarettes and other flammable materials in or near forests. Residents are also advised to report any signs of fire immediately to emergency services via 062 or 112.
SEPRONA maintains year-round surveillance and prevention efforts, but these are reinforced during the summer campaign in coordination with other environmental protection agencies. The focus is on early detection, rapid response, and holding those responsible accountable.
Recent events in Castellón echo broader concerns about wildfire management across Spain. In Almería, for example, authorities recently managed to contain a major blaze in Los Gallardos, where victim identification and recovery efforts have been ongoing. For more on the response to large-scale fires in the country, see this report on how Andalusian officials handled the Los Gallardos incident.
Spain consistently ranks among the European countries most affected by wildfires, with thousands of hectares lost each year. The combination of climate factors, human activity, and sometimes deliberate acts makes prevention and enforcement a top priority for regional and national authorities. The current investigations in Castellón highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing rural land use with the need to protect communities and natural resources from fire hazards.
