Forest fire in Ontinyent causes evacuation and transportation disruptions.

A forest fire declared in Ontinyent, Valencia, has led to the preventive evacuation of some residents in the area of Pou Clar. The emergency situation has been activated, prompting the deployment of aerial resources to control the flames, although their number has been reduced to two in the last few hours. The rapid spread of the fire has also forced the suspension of train services between Alcoy and Xàtiva, affecting mobility in the region. The fire, which started at 3:38 pm, has prompted authorities to establish a level 1 emergency situation, indicating that the fire could severely affect forest assets and have a minor impact on the population. Given this scenario, residents in the affected area have been evacuated preventively. The magnitude of the fire has required the use of extraordinary means to extinguish it. Amid these efforts to control the fire, ADIF has decided to interrupt train services between Alcoi and Xàtiva, causing complications in regional railway transport. This measure aims to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure the safety of the population in the face of the forest fire threat in the area. On the other hand, two other forest fires have been reported in nearby towns, Albaida and Xàtiva, which have fortunately been stabilized. However, the situation in Ontinyent remains critical, with a high risk of spread due to adverse weather conditions and the extreme level of forest fires in the entire Valencian Community. The fire in Xàtiva, initially classified as a vegetation fire, has been reclassified as a forest fire, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge faced by firefighters and emergency teams. Despite the efforts deployed, the task of containing the flames and protecting the affected areas remains difficult and requires the mobilization of additional resources. In this forest crisis context, preventive surveillance flights have been scheduled in compliance with the Special Forest Fire Plan (PEIF) guidelines. Coordination among the various emergency services is crucial to address this emergency situation and minimize the damages caused by the fire. Meanwhile, the local community remains on alert regarding the evolution of the situation and the potential consequences of the fire. Solidarity and mutual support have been evident in times like these, where the priority is to protect life and the region's natural resources. As firefighting efforts progress, it will be essential to keep the population informed and prepared to face the challenges posed by this forest fire in Ontinyent.