In the natural park Devesa de El Saler at València a forest fire broke out around midday on Thursday, prompting precautionary evacuations in El Saler, several campsites and the area around Torre 1 . The flames spread rapidly across dunes and woodland. According to the authorities, around 37 hectares were affected most recently. The connecting road CV-500 remained closed on Friday to ensure the safety of the operation and prevent traffic queues in the evacuation zones.
Initial findings on the cause of the fire are available. The Spanish government’s representative in the Comunitat Valenciana, Pilar Bernabé, said on Friday that the environmental protection department of the Guardia Civil (Seprona) had ruled out natural causes at the suspected point of origin, together with an investigative team from the Generalitat Valenciana. There had been no thunderstorm or use of machinery; instead, a direct ignition source had been identified. This suggests the fire may have been started deliberately or at least through negligence, for example by a discarded cigarette or a deliberately set spark. A final criminal assessment is still pending.
Seprona is continuing the investigation together with the local police and the Guardia Civil. Analysis of CCTV footage and forensic evidence is intended to help determine the exact cause and identify possible culprits. València City Council said it would work closely with investigators to clarify what happened.
Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue on the ground and from the air. In addition to the regional fire services, on Thursday evening the Unidad Militar de Emergencias was called in to provide support. The incident command is adjusting its strategy to changing winds to prevent the flames from spreading to further pine and scrubland.
The authorities stressed that evacuees may return only once the fire is considered under control. Support centres have been set up for those affected, and the Red Cross is helping provide assistance. Experts are assessing the ecological impact on the protected dunes and wetlands of Devesa, as well as possible damage to infrastructure.
The immediate context is the findings on the cause of the fire announced on Friday and the ongoing restrictions around El Saler. Figures on affected areas, evacuations and road closures are based on official statements from emergency and police authorities; claims about possible deliberate action are attributed to the relevant authorities and remain provisional until the investigation is complete.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).