Vall d'Uixó forest fire stabilised after burning 9,600 hectares

A forest fire that broke out on 25 July in the Vall d'Uixó area of Castellón province burned roughly 9,568 hectares – about 12 % of the Serra d'Espadà natural park – and created an 89‑kilometre perimeter. The most heavily affected municipality was Artana, where 3,160 hectares were destroyed, followed by Eslida and several surrounding villages.

After seven days of intensive firefighting, including more than 400 ground personnel, seven aerial brigades and additional support from the Ministry of Defence, the emergency services declared the fire stabilised on 31 July. Evacuations involving around 7,000‑8,000 residents have been lifted, allowing the last displaced families in Artana and Eslida to return home. Authorities warned that the fire is not yet fully extinguished and that hot‑spot re‑ignitions remain possible, especially with forecast high temperatures, dry storms and strong winds across the Valencian Community.

Juan Carlos Valderrama, Conseller of Emergencies and Interior, urged the public to avoid traffic on affected roads and to refrain from recreational activities in the burned zone until the fire is completely out. Fernando Pérez, head of the advanced command post, confirmed that additional brigades will remain on standby. The response also included restrictions on water use for domestic purposes in the most affected towns. The fire in nearby Zamora province was similarly stabilised after burning about 11,000 hectares, allowing 800 evacuees to return home.