Wildfire near Benidorm triggers state of emergency and evacuations.

A forest fire broke out on Saturday afternoon near the AP-7 highway as it passes through Benidorm, prompting authorities to activate a series of emergency measures. The Generalitat has declared situation level 1 of the forest fire plan, a decision that reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to combat the flames threatening the region. The first signs of the fire began to be reported in the afternoon, leading to a swift mobilization of firefighting resources. The Emergency Coordination Center reported that two aerial units and a helitack brigade were initially deployed, along with four units from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante, two forest firefighting units from the Generalitat, as well as two fire engines and a coordinator. However, the situation has escalated, and by the afternoon, more resources had been added to the firefighting operation. The fire, which has erupted in an area of high environmental sensitivity, has led authorities to take drastic measures, including closing the AP-7 highway in the direction of Valencia. This artery is crucial for traffic in the region, and its closure has raised concerns about the impact on mobility and access to the affected area. Additionally, the electricity supply in the area has been cut off as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of residents and emergency services operating in the area. One of the most significant decisions has been the preventive evacuation of the Terra Natura park, a popular family tourist destination in Benidorm. This park, which houses a wide variety of fauna and flora, has been closed to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals residing there. Authorities have acted swiftly to protect both the population and the natural environment. As the fire progresses, the situation remains critical. According to the latest updates, a total of seven aerial units and two helitack brigades are working on the ground, along with 12 units from the provincial fire department from various parks, including San Vicente, Benidorm, and Dénia. Four forest firefighting units from the Generalitat, four fire engines, two forest coordinators, and an environmental agent have also been deployed, all committed to battling the flames. The complexity of the terrain and current weather conditions are further complicating firefighting efforts. High temperatures and dry conditions have created a favorable scenario for the spread of the fire, leading emergency teams to double their efforts and work closely together to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas. The local community is on high alert, and many residents have expressed their concerns through social media, voicing their support for the firefighters and all those fighting this devastating fire. Local authorities have urged the public to stay informed through official channels and to avoid the affected area so as not to disrupt firefighting operations. The situation continues to develop, and firefighting and control efforts are expected to continue over the coming hours. Authorities have promised to keep the public informed about the status of the fire and any additional measures taken to ensure the safety of the population and the preservation of the environment in the region. The Benidorm community is united in the hope that emergency teams will be able to extinguish the flames and minimize the impact of this forest fire.