A wildfire that began in Soneja has entered the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. Authorities evacuated 500 people from Azuébar as a precaution. Extreme heat and dry conditions are making containment difficult.
A wildfire that broke out on Sunday in Soneja, a municipality in the interior of Castellón, has breached the boundaries of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. The incident prompted the preventive evacuation of 500 residents from the nearby town of Azuébar, one of the eleven municipalities entirely within the park’s limits. The area, known for its cork oak reserves and natural springs, now faces heightened risk as authorities warn that soaring temperatures and dry winds could further complicate firefighting operations.
By Sunday night, regional president Juanfran Pérez Llorca reported that the fire had only slightly entered the park, with an estimated 150 hectares affected, though he noted that precise measurements were not yet available. The situation remains tense, as the forecast for Monday includes a new heatwave, with temperatures in parts of the Valencian Community expected to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and the threat of renewed winds continues to challenge emergency teams working to contain the blaze.
Firefighting efforts have involved more than 220 ground personnel and up to 18 aerial units throughout the afternoon. The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) has deployed 50 members to support the operation. As night fell, improved weather conditions—marked by reduced wind and higher humidity—offered some relief, allowing teams to focus on keeping the fire within its current perimeter. Coordination between state, provincial, and regional resources has been described as effective by officials overseeing the response.
Evacuated residents from Azuébar have found temporary shelter with relatives, friends, or at the Segorbe seminary, where around 55 people are staying. Authorities plan to reassess the situation on Monday to determine when it will be safe for evacuees to return home, depending on the fire’s overnight progression. The memory of a similar evacuation in 2021, when Soneja hosted Azuébar’s residents due to another wildfire, underscores the recurring vulnerability of this region to such incidents.
The Sierra de Espadán Natural Park, located at the edge of the Iberian System, is a significant ecological reserve in Castellón’s Alto Palancia region. Its unique landscape and biodiversity make it particularly sensitive to fire damage. The current emergency echoes recent wildfire challenges elsewhere in Spain, such as the lockdowns imposed in several Catalan towns during a major blaze in Les Gavarres, as detailed in this related report on the La Bisbal d'Empordà fire.
Wildfires have become an increasingly frequent threat in Spain, especially during periods of prolonged drought and high temperatures. The country’s emergency services have adapted by enhancing coordination and response capacity, but the combination of climate factors and the natural landscape continues to pose significant challenges. The situation in Soneja and Azuébar highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in rural and protected areas, particularly as climate extremes become more common across the Iberian Peninsula.
