Soneja wildfire forces evacuation of Azuébar in Spain

A forest fire broke out on Sunday between the municipalities of Soneja and Azuébar in the province of Castellón. By the following day the blaze had burned roughly 150‑183 hectares and was pushing into the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Espadán. Around 300 emergency personnel – including the Generalitat’s forest firefighters, the Consorci Provincial de Bombers, municipal crews, the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME), Civil Guard, environmental agents and health staff – were deployed, supported by 15‑16 aerial water‑dropping aircraft and about a hundred ground vehicles.

More than 500 residents of Azuébar were evacuated; 41 were accommodated at the Seminario de Segorbe under the direction of the local bishop. The regional president, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, urged “maximum prudence” as a heatwave with temperatures up to 44 °C and wind gusts of 40 km/h was forecast, raising the risk of fire spread. Government delegate Pilar Bernabé noted that the fire’s origin did not appear natural and that an investigation was underway.

The fire’s perimeter was partially contained by Tuesday, allowing authorities to lift evacuation orders and let the displaced residents return home. Officials warned the public to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, and report any smoke immediately.