La Vall d'Uixó Wildfire Engulfs 4,300 Hectares and Triggers Mass Evacuations

A wildfire in La Vall d'Uixó, in the Castellón province of eastern Spain, has burned through 4,300 hectares of land and forced the evacuation of around 16,000 people from 18 villages. Authorities say the fire is still out of control and that they suspect it was started intentionally. Strong winds and dry conditions have hampered firefighting efforts, with more than 500 firefighters and multiple water-dropping aircraft deployed. The fire has destroyed homes, farmland, and forest areas, and has cut off several roads. No casualties have been reported so far. The blaze began on Thursday afternoon and rapidly spread due to gusty winds and low humidity. Regional emergency services have set up shelters for evacuees and are coordinating with the Spanish military's emergency response unit. Investigators are working to determine the cause, but early evidence points to arson. The wildfire is one of the worst in the region in recent years, highlighting the growing risk of large fires in Mediterranean climates.