Fire near homes in Orihuela Costa under control

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
Orihuela fire

Panic ensued briefly in the residential areas near the golf courses between Las Ramblas and the Tajo-Segura canal in Orihuela Costa. A fire that broke out around 6.00 pm on Thursday evening near the protected landscape of Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor in Orihuela Costa came dangerously close to inhabited areas.

In response, Level 1 of the PEIF (Special Plan Against Forest Fire Risk) was declared. This level is established when one or more forest fires can significantly affect forested areas or pose a threat to populated and non-forested areas. Extraordinary measures, including external resources, may be necessary to extinguish the fire.

Four fire brigades, two helicopters, and a firefighting plane worked tirelessly to control the blaze as quickly as possible. After approximately three hours, it became clear that the situation was improving, and no further evacuations were needed. To prevent the fire from reigniting, local police deployed drones throughout the night to monitor the fire’s perimeter.

Ten hectares of pine forest burned

Late in the evening, Orihuela’s mayor, Pepe Vegara, confirmed that the fire had affected ten hectares of pine forest. Throughout the night, a unit of 55 personnel remained on-site, including 40 forest firefighters and various emergency and security services. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The fire was first discovered by Antonio Cerdán, the coastal pedestrian area coordinator, who was one of the first to call the emergency number. As he cycled along the canal, he noticed the fire at 5.50 pm. The area is frequently visited by walkers and sports enthusiasts. At that time, a strong Levante wind (eastern wind) was blowing, causing the flames to spread towards the wooded area.

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