Valencia region deploys summer fire defence as Xàtiva industrial blaze erupts

The Valencia City Council has activated a special summer fire‑prevention device for the Devesa del Saler natural park, running until September. The plan adds five firefighters and a corporal to the regular crew and integrates local police, civil‑protection volunteers and Red Cross staff. Eleven 16‑metre SIDEINFO water‑cannon towers, each capable of discharging 2,966 litres of water per minute, can be switched on during maximum‑alert days. The system cost €1.5 million. Councilor Juan Carlos Caballero emphasized that protecting the city’s “green lung” requires both official crews and citizen cooperation.

Separately, a large industrial fire broke out in Xàtiva, generating a dense toxic smoke plume. Six fire crews, police forces and Civil Guard units responded, and three people were treated by SAMU – two for smoke inhalation and one for an anxiety episode. Authorities closed two lanes of the CV‑645 and urged residents to stay indoors, close windows and avoid outdoor areas. Police chief Rafal Valor praised the “magistral” work of the firefighters and highlighted the importance of the coordinated emergency effort. The fire is now under control and the area is returning to normal.