Spain: Emergency crews working to contain wildfire in Alicante Province, Valencia Autonomous Community, as of Aug. 1

Emergency crews are working to contain a wildfire in Alicante Province, Valencia Autonomous Community, as of Aug. 1. The fire broke out at around 15:00 July 30 in Benasau Municipality and has grown to around 320 hectares (790 acres) in size. One property has reportedly been damaged by the fire. More than 100 firefighting personnel are on-site battling the blaze. The fire has broken out amid an ongoing heatwave across much of mainland Spain and hot, dry, and windy conditions have aided the fire's growth; further wildfire growth is likely over the coming hours and days.

Firefighting operations were reportedly evolving favorably overnight July 31-Aug. 1; however, evacuations and road closures remain in force in the vicinity of the fire. Authorities have evacuated around 150 people from the Penaguila due to the fire. Emergency shelters for evacuated residents have been established in Benifallim and Cocentaina. The CV-781 from Alcoleja to Penaguila and the CV-785 from Benifallim to Penaguila remain closed as of early Aug. 1. Disruptions to telecommunications networks are also reportedly affecting communities in the affected area.

Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.