Wildfire in Benidorm triggers state of emergency and affects the population.

A forest fire that began on Saturday afternoon in Benidorm, Alicante, has triggered a series of emergency measures, including the declaration of Situation Level 1 of the Special Forest Fire Plan (PEIF). This alert level has been activated due to the severity of the situation, which not only endangers local flora but also threatens the safety of the population and their property. As the flames spread, nearly thirty firefighters were mobilized to combat the fire. Among them, nine aerial resources played a crucial role in extinguishing the flames, tackling the fire from the air as it exceeded control limits in the area. The Emergency Coordination Center reported that at the start of the operation, various resources were deployed, including two aerial units and a helitack crew, along with several units from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante. As the fire advanced, the response intensified. After 6:25 PM, the number of aerial resources in the area reached seven, along with two helitack crews, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Additionally, 12 units from the provincial fire department from different stations were involved, as well as units from the Generalitat and fire engines, highlighting the collaboration and coordination among various emergency services. The fire has also had consequences for local infrastructure. The AP-7, one of the main communication arteries in the region, had to be closed in the direction of Valencia, causing significant disruptions in traffic and transportation. This measure, although necessary to ensure the safety of drivers, may also impact the local economy, particularly in a tourist destination like Benidorm, which receives a high number of visitors at this time of year. Electricity supply in the area has been interrupted as part of the implemented safety measures, leading to an additional impact on the local community. Power outages, while a preventive measure, can cause instability and concern among residents who fear for the safety of their homes and the possibility of evacuations. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the forest fire season in Spain often coincides with unfavorable weather conditions, such as extreme heat and dryness. These factors not only facilitate the spread of flames but also complicate extinguishing efforts, underscoring the importance of having adequate resources and an effective action plan. Level 1 alert of the PEIF is established under circumstances where the fire could cause significant damage to forest assets and potentially affect the population. This means that although the situation is not yet critical, it is serious enough to require the activation of extraordinary resources for fire extinguishment and population protection. Local authorities and emergency teams continue to work tirelessly to control the fire and mitigate its effects. In the coming hours, it is expected that the evolution of the fire will be assessed and decisions will be made regarding the possibility of reopening the AP-7 and restoring electricity supply in the affected area. Meanwhile, residents of Benidorm and surrounding areas remain on alert, following the recommendations of the authorities and hoping for an improvement in the situation. This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the need to be prepared for the eventuality of forest fires, a problem that unfortunately seems to be becoming more recurrent in our society.