Fire in Benasau: evacuations and firefighting efforts underway.

The situation in Benasau has been complicated since a forest fire was declared yesterday afternoon, leading to the evacuation of between 120 and 150 residents from the nearby town of Penàguila. However, as the morning progresses, the news seems to be more encouraging. Firefighting teams have begun to reintegrate aerial resources to combat the disaster, which has shown favorable developments in recent hours, according to reports from the Provincial Fire Consortium and the Emergency Coordination Center of the Generalitat. Initial reports indicate that the origin of the fire may have been a spark generated by a cutting tool used in maintenance work in the district of Ares del Bosc, raising the possibility that the disaster was caused by an accident during routine operations. The fire started in an area of extremely dry vegetation, near the Benasau wastewater treatment plant, which has undoubtedly contributed to its rapid spread. Road closures are one of the immediate consequences of the fire, affecting regional roads CV-781 and CV-785, as well as a stretch of CV-770. The Traffic Civil Guard has been monitoring the situation and keeping drivers informed about the affected routes. This has created some chaos in the mobility of residents and in the logistics of transporting emergency teams. Although the front of the flames was managed overnight thanks to favorable weather conditions, the authorities from the Fire Consortium warn that the situation remains delicate. The declaration of stabilization of the fire is not expected in the short term, and experts are watching for a possible change in the weather that could complicate extinguishing efforts. Firefighting efforts are robust, with a deployment that includes three aerial units already in action and another four expected to join soon. In total, 15 units from the Alicante Fire Consortium, consisting of 60 firefighters, are working on the ground, alongside 8 units of Forest Firefighters totaling around 35 personnel. Additionally, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has sent 40 personnel to the area to assist in the efforts, following the activation of level 2 of the Special Forest Fire Plan (PEIF). Evacuated residents from Penàguila have found refuge in a shelter set up in Benifallim, where support measures have been implemented for those displaced from their homes. Furthermore, the Emergency Coordination Center has made another shelter available in Cocentaina to accommodate all those affected. The Red Cross has activated an Immediate Emergency Response Team for Temporary Shelter (ERIE AP) in Benifallim, which has an initial capacity for 30 people, although it is prepared to increase this number if necessary. Meanwhile, the Provincial Fire Consortium has reported that another forest fire declared in Biar has been controlled in a relatively short time, allowing several vehicles and 16 firefighters from the Villena and Elda parks to focus on extinguishing efforts. This second fire also resulted in evacuations, including 60 unaccompanied minors and a supervisor, adding further pressure to the available resources. The community is coming together in this moment of crisis, showing solidarity towards those who have had to leave their homes. The response from the authorities has been swift and coordinated, highlighting the importance of preparedness for emergency situations in a region where forest fires are a recurring threat, especially during periods of drought and high temperatures. As work continues on extinguishing and containing these fires, a call for responsibility is made to all citizens. Prevention is key to avoiding situations like this in the future. Cooperation among citizens, local authorities, and emergency services is essential to safeguard both people and the rich biodiversity that characterizes the area. The next bulletin with updated information is expected in the coming hours, which will provide more details on the evolution of the fire and the safety of the evacuees. The hope is that, with combined efforts and favorable weather conditions, the situation can be controlled and calm restored in Benasau and its surroundings.