More than 16,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the province of Castellón as a wildfire burns out of control in the Vall d'Uixò area, affecting 15 municipalities. The blaze, driven by dry vegetation and strong winds, has prompted authorities to call back aerial firefighting units after they were temporarily grounded. Six residents have been treated for smoke inhalation, and a separate fire in Manises, Valencia, has claimed one life.
The fire began in rugged terrain near Vall d'Uixò, a town about 60 kilometers north of Valencia. Emergency services ordered evacuations across 15 towns and neighborhoods, setting up temporary shelters for displaced families. The regional government of the Valencian Community declared a level 2 emergency, allowing coordination with national resources.
Aerial support, including water-dropping helicopters and planes, was pulled back earlier due to hazardous flying conditions but has now resumed. Ground crews, supported by the Military Emergency Unit, continue to build firebreaks and protect structures. The fire's perimeter has grown rapidly, and officials say containment may take several days.
The evacuations have disrupted daily life for thousands, closing schools and roads. Farmers in the region fear losses to olive groves and citrus orchards. The human toll, while limited to minor injuries and the one death outside the main fire, underscores the danger of fast-moving wildfires in Spain's increasingly dry summers.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts suggest slightly cooler temperatures and lighter winds, which could aid firefighters. Authorities urge evacuees to remain patient and avoid returning home until it is declared safe. The incident has renewed debate about forest management and climate resilience in southern Europe.