In Gátova (Valencia province), the body of a man was discovered on Sunday as residents returned to their homes after the forest fire in the Sierra Calderona The body of a man was discovered. Police say the death is unrelated to the fire. The return of around 1,000 people who had previously been evacuated was authorised in the morning, subject to restrictions.
According to police sources, the man lived alone, had a chronic illness and received care at home. The condition of the body suggests that he may have died several days earlier – before Friday’s evacuation. The authorities have so far released no details about his identity or the definitive cause of death. The relevant investigative authorities, including the Guardia Civil, are conducting inquiries.
The fire had raged in the Sierra Calderona, on the border between Segorbe (Castellón province) and Gátova. The Generalitat Valenciana initially told residents on Friday to stay indoors, then ordered the full evacuation of Gátova around two hours later, at about 17:30. At 11:00 on Sunday, the emergency services 112 CV reported that the fire was under control; residents were then allowed to return. For the time being, people are being asked to remain indoors, keep windows closed and drink only bottled water until the water supply has been tested.
Traffic restrictions also remain in place. The road CV-25 between Olocau and Altura remains closed to general traffic. Vehicles must not be parked on the road, so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles; an access corridor has been set up for residents. The regional authorities point out that health risks from smoke and possible contamination of water sources cannot be ruled out with certainty until the ongoing analyses are complete.
Gátova usually has fewer than 500 residents, but holiday stays and second homes have significantly increased the population in recent days. The preliminary all-clear for the fire and the gradual return to normal in the town remain subject to further developments on the ground. Official details about the man’s identity and cause of death are expected once the investigation is complete.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).