Lorraine Williamson
A major wildfire in Valencia’s El Saler forced the evacuation of residents and holidaymakers on Thursday as flames spread through part of the protected Devesa, within the Albufera Natural Park. The fire remained active into the evening, with an estimated 48 hectares affected. Emergency crews were cautiously optimistic that it could be brought under control if wind conditions remained favourable.
The fire broke out around midday in the Gola de Pujol area and prompted an escalating emergency response as smoke and flames threatened populated areas. Residents of El Saler were initially advised to remain indoors because of the smoke, but changing winds later increased the risk.
Authorities then ordered the evacuation of El Saler village and nearby campsites. An ES-Alert was sent to mobile phones in the affected area at around 5.20 pm, instructing people to leave towards Valencia along the CV-500.
Around 120 residents of El Saler were evacuated, while people were also moved from nearby campsites, the Torre 1 residential building and a beach close to the fire. Municipal buses were mobilised for those without their own transport.
La Fonteta and the Alquería del Basket in Valencia were made available to receive evacuees. Guardia Civil units were also deployed to help with the evacuation and traffic management.
More than 200 personnel tackle the fire
The scale of the emergency response increased throughout the afternoon as authorities brought in additional air and ground resources. More than 200 personnel were involved in the operation, while Spain’s Military Emergency Unit, the UME, was deployed from its Bétera base.
Up to 12 aircraft were working on the fire alongside Valencia municipal firefighters and Generalitat emergency teams. The wildfire emergency was raised to Situation 2 under the Special Forest Fire Plan, reflecting the potential risk to people and property outside the forest itself.
By Thursday evening, authorities estimated that approximately 48 hectares had been affected. The flames had not reached El Saler village, but firefighters said wind direction remained one of the main factors influencing the blaze.
Fire chiefs said they were “slightly optimistic” about bringing the blaze under control, provided weather conditions remained favourable. However, the fire was still active in the latest detailed update and had not yet been declared stabilised.
The cause has not yet been established. Emergency crews are expected to continue working through the night to secure the perimeter and prevent any further spread.
Fire burning inside Albufera Natural Park
The Devesa de El Saler forms part of the Albufera Natural Park, one of the most environmentally important areas on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Its extensive pine forest separates the Albufera lagoon from the sea and forms part of a sensitive ecosystem of dunes, woodland and wetlands.
The protected landscape has suffered several fires in recent years, making the impact of Thursday’s blaze a particular concern. Authorities have not yet provided a final assessment of the environmental damage, with the priority remaining the containment of the active fire and the safety of people in the surrounding area.
Firefighters were expected to continue working through the night to secure the perimeter and deal with hotspots. The situation will also depend on wind conditions, which played a significant role in the decision to evacuate El Saler earlier on Thursday.
As of the latest confirmed update on Thursday evening, the fire had not been declared stabilised, and the provisional affected area remained around 48 hectares.