The Devesa de El Saler wildfire has sparked a heated debate in Valencia, with Mayor María José Catalá rejecting opposition criticism of the city’s response. Catalá says the fire, which broke out last Thursday and became the second most severe in the natural park’s history, was deliberately set. She said responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, not local authorities, and cited the ongoing investigation by the Seprona unit of the Guardia Civil.
Opposition groups have questioned the city’s preparedness, particularly the decision to halt the installation of water cannons intended to protect the Devesa. Catalá said the plan to install the cannons was considered only after the current administration took office in 2023. So far, 11 cannons have been installed to secure evacuation routes for residents of the apartment towers. She said the system’s expansion is limited by the lack of a suitable water supply: neither saltwater nor potable water can be used for this purpose. Without a reliable water source, she added, installing more cannons would be ineffective.
The mayor also pointed to efforts to improve fire-prevention infrastructure. A €2 million water infrastructure plan, announced a year ago, is underway to support future phases of the project. Catalá said recent maintenance, including pruning and clearing, prevented the fire from spreading even more rapidly in the strong winds. She maintained that the city has implemented appropriate measures over the past three years to contain such incidents.
In response to further criticism, Catalá called for a measured discussion of the city’s actions and opposition parties’ accusations. She said three aerial firefighting units were deployed before the wind shifted unexpectedly, earlier than forecast by Aemet. The use of fire retardant, tested in the Devesa in 2025 but not used again this summer, was also discussed. Catalá explained that the substance washes away with rain, making it impractical to expect a single application to provide long-term protection.
The city is working with the Generalitat on a reforestation plan for the Devesa and additional protective measures for the nearby village of El Saler. Catalá also called for stronger public condemnation and judicial action against those who deliberately set fires in natural areas, arguing that current penalties are insufficient deterrents.
The incident has reignited debate over wildfire prevention and emergency response in Spain, a topic that has drawn national attention in recent years. Similar controversies have emerged elsewhere, including in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, where local decisions about fire-safety measures have also faced public scrutiny. A recent dispute over fireworks in Madrid’s San Martín de Valdeiglesias highlighted the tension between tradition and fire-risk management.
Wildfires remain a persistent threat across Spain, particularly in regions with dense forests and high summer temperatures. The Devesa de El Saler fire illustrates the challenges local governments face in balancing prevention with rapid response while pursuing long-term ecological recovery. As climate conditions continue to evolve, municipal strategies and infrastructure investments will remain under close scrutiny from residents and political opponents.
