Wildfire in Benasau shows signs of being under control, but the risk remains high.

The forest fire that started yesterday afternoon in Benasau, a municipality in northern Alicante, has shown positive signs of control throughout this morning. With the support of aerial resources that will join the firefighting efforts, authorities expect a more effective response to contain the flames that have forced the evacuation of numerous residents, especially from the nearby town of Penáguila. The management of the Advanced Command Post (PMA) has indicated that the situation has improved, although the risk remains high due to adverse weather conditions. During the night, shelters were established in Benifallim and Cocentaina to provide refuge for those who had to evacuate their homes. Such measures are crucial in emergency situations, as they ensure the safety and well-being of those affected while firefighting efforts are underway. The Traffic Civil Guard has reported that the CV-781 and CV-785 roads have been affected by the fire, causing complications in transit and in the logistics of the intervention teams. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area and to follow the instructions of emergency services to facilitate firefighting operations and ensure everyone's safety. Yesterday, the Generalitat requested the collaboration of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) to tackle this forest fire, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge facing firefighting teams. The Emergency Coordination Center activated Situation 2 of the Special Plan Against the Risk of Forest Fires (PEIF), a protocol that is activated when the fire poses a serious threat to the population and non-forest property. Since the start of the fire around 3 PM, changing winds have complicated operations on the ground. Winds, with gusts between 30 and 40 kilometers per hour, combined with temperatures reaching 35 degrees and alarmingly low relative humidity, have created a conducive environment for the spread of the fire. These weather conditions not only hinder extinguishing efforts but also increase the risk of other fires igniting in the region. In response to the emergency, firefighting teams have mobilized a considerable fleet of resources. So far, five ground units have been deployed, along with two helicopter units from the forest firefighters, four fire engines, and several crews from the fire departments of Cocentaina and Benidorm. Additionally, the Ministry of the Environment has sent two amphibious units, bolstering efforts in an area where dry vegetation poses an imminent danger. The fire was reported near the Benasau wastewater treatment plant, in a region abundant with pines that have facilitated its rapid spread. Authorities acted swiftly, activating the firefighting response to contain the blaze before it reached more densely populated areas. However, the challenge remains significant, and every minute counts in the fight against this voracious fire. As the day progresses, forecasts indicate that the risk of forest fires in the province of Alicante and the rest of the Valencian Community will increase. With an extreme risk level (red) in the three Valencian provinces, except for southern Alicante and the coast of Castellón, which present a high risk (orange), authorities have called on the public to remain alert and take precautions. The situation in Benasau serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the need for constant vigilance in the face of weather conditions that favor fires. Collaboration among different emergency bodies and public preparedness are essential to facing these challenges and minimizing their impact. As aerial and ground resources continue to work diligently, the community hopes that the situation will soon stabilize and that those affected can return to their homes in a safe environment.