24 Mar 2023 | 02:04 AM UTC
Spain: Emergency crews working to contain wildfire in Castellon Province, Valencia Autonomous Community, as of early March 24
Emergency crews working to contain a wildfire in Castellon Province, Spain, as of early March 24. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain a wildfire in Villanueva de Viver Municipality, Castellon Province, Valencia Autonomous Community, as of early March 24. The fire broke out March 23 and has burned an estimated 800-1,000 hectares (1,977-2,471 acres). Authorities have issued a red extreme (highest level on a three-tier scale) risk of wildfires in Castellon Province March 24. Further wildfire growth is likely over the coming hours and days.
Authorities in Castellon Province progressively evacuated an estimated 800 people from Aranuel, Fuente la Reina, Los Calpes, Los Cantos, La Monzona, Montan, Puebla de Arenoso, and Montanejos municipalities as well as La Alqueria de Montanejos and La Artejuela towns as the wildfire spread. Crews have established an emergency shelter in Segorbe. Officials also evacuated around 250 people in Teruel Province, Aragon Autonomous Community, including Olba and San Agustin municipalities. Authorities could implement new evacuation orders depending on evolving wildfire conditions. Crews could request power lines in the affected area be discharged to aid firefighting efforts, resulting in power outages for surrounding communities.
The CV-20 in Montanejos and CV-207 in Fuente la Reina in the province of Castellon and the CV-207 in Mases and Tamboril in the province of Teruel are closed. The status of nearby roads will likely 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.
Advice
Heed any evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
