A major wildfire in La Vall d’Uixó has led to the evacuation of 12 towns within the Sierra de Espadán natural park. Over 75,000 people are affected by evacuations and lockdowns. Authorities race to contain the blaze.
A wildfire that broke out Saturday morning near La Vall d’Uixó (Castelló) has triggered the evacuation of 12 municipalities inside the Sierra de Espadán natural park, one of the most significant green spaces in the Valencian Community. The fire, which remains active, has already scorched 6,500 hectares and forced emergency measures across 18 towns, with lockdowns in place for Vall d’Uixó, Betxí, and Onda. The affected population, including both evacuees and those confined to their homes, is estimated at around 75,000 residents.
According to the latest figures from Sunday, the fire’s perimeter stretches 48 kilometers. Emergency services continue to prioritize the safety of residents, with 43 people treated in medical centers—mainly for smoke inhalation and some for burns. Nineteen remain hospitalized, including ten chronic patients requiring oxygen support at the Hospital de Atención a Pacientes Crónicos y de Larga Estancia La Magdalena.
The flames have penetrated the Sierra de Espadán natural park, the second largest protected area in the region after Hoces del Cabriel. The park covers 31,180 hectares and includes 19 municipalities, most of which are privately owned. Of the towns evacuated, eight—Aín, Eslida, Azuébar, Almedíjar, Chóvar, Fuente de Ayódar, Alcudia de Veo, and Villamalur—are entirely within the park’s boundaries, while Alfondeguilla, Artana, Sueras, and Tales are partially included. Additional evacuations have affected Vilavella, Ayódar, Torralba, the Artesa district of Onda, several neighborhoods in La Vall d’Uixó, and residential areas in Betxí.
So far, the fire has not reached the urban centers themselves, but authorities have cleared these areas as a precaution. The full extent of the damage to the park’s valuable cork oak forests remains unknown. The initial spread was driven by strong westerly winds on Saturday, pushing the fire toward the coast and industrial towns like Onda. By Sunday, sea breezes redirected the flames deeper into the park.
The Generalitat has extended evacuation and confinement orders until 23:59 on Monday, July 27, with the possibility of changes depending on the fire’s evolution. Weather forecasts suggest higher humidity and lighter winds could help stabilize the situation by Tuesday. Around 700 evacuees are currently housed in temporary shelters in Moncofa, Onda, Nules, and Segorbe. Overnight, 113 residents from the Novaedat care home in La Vall d’Uixó were relocated to facilities in Cullera, Carlet, Borriana, Estivella, and Castelló.
Authorities suspect arson, as several ignition points were detected early Saturday in La Vall d’Uixó. The main focus remains on protecting lives and property, with environmental impact assessments to follow once the emergency is under control. The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, is scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday. For context, similar mass evacuations have occurred in the region in recent years, as seen when thousands were forced from their homes during previous wildfires in Castellón.
The Sierra de Espadán is recognized for its biodiversity and well-preserved natural landscapes, making the current threat particularly significant for both local communities and conservation efforts. The park’s forests play a crucial role in the region’s ecology, and any long-term damage could have lasting effects on the environment and local economies dependent on tourism and agriculture.
