Recent fires in Valencia and La Vila Joiosa traced to electrical faults have renewed calls for stronger safety checks in buildings across the region. A regional association of electrical installation companies argues that every building should undergo an electrical safety review every 10 to 15 years. The message is clear: a 40-year-old property should not escape an electrical assessment. Decades ago devices and systems drew far less power, and today’s high energy appliances like modern washing machines and air conditioning can render older electrical setups inadequate or poorly maintained.
Since the Campanar incident, inquiries within the electrical sector and the building renovation industry have surged. Industry bodies report roughly 500 inquiries in just over a week, far above the typical monthly figure of 10 to 15. In renovation firms, safety concerns about fires have risen from almost zero per month to about 150 inquiries in a single week. This reflects heightened awareness among property managers and residents’ associations, who discuss safety more often in meetings than ever before.
One association leader notes that Alicante’s concern about Valencia’s fire has now spread to La Vila Joiosa and beyond. The worry goes beyond appearances to the source of risk. Valencia’s incident was linked to a plug fault, and a similar pattern has appeared in La Vila Joiosa. The central issue is the administration’s absence of mandatory periodic electrical inspections. It is unacceptable for a 40-year-old building to have never undergone a review. The recommended approach focuses on inspecting the electricity supply from the main distribution point through to the electrical panel and individual circuits. Currently, there is no legal obligation forcing homeowner associations to conduct periodic electrical reviews. Legislation only requires checks every 10 years in common areas of buildings with contracted power above 100 kW, a threshold typical of large developments; smaller structures may fall outside this requirement. Moreover, garages must exceed 25 parking spaces to trigger any electrical inspections, and many do not meet that threshold.
Experts emphasize that periodic maintenance matters. There is a push to make these inspections mandatory for entire buildings, including residences, with the Ministry of Industry urged to take action. The shared message is that most fires arise from poor maintenance, so investments in protective measures are essential. A practical example is the residual-current device, also known as a differential. Periodic testing is advised; if it is not tested for long periods, it may fail when needed to cut power during a fault. When a home is registered, maintenance manuals often accompany the dwelling, outlining basic checks such as the differential’s test procedure.
Advisers suggest that for common areas of a community, checks should occur every few years, such as five-year intervals. For individual homes, the emphasis is on ensuring protections are in place, including the differential, and reviewing the electrical bulletin every 15 to 20 years. There is a call for administrations to require universal electrical reviews for buildings.
Building Reforms
Manuel Girona, president of the Valencia Community Association of Building Rehabilitation Companies, notes growing concern and a surge of inquiries about materials used in renovations. People want to know whether materials are flammable or compatible with those used in Valencia. He reports receiving around 100 to 150 safety-related inquiries since Valencia’s fire, whereas prior inquiries were near zero. In Alicante, many inquiries now point to the city’s official catalog identifying buildings where materials similar to those involved in Valencia were used.
Girona emphasizes that renovations follow standards set by competent technicians, aiming to reassure residents who fear that a small flame could ignite an entire façade. The safety message remains clear: adherence to professional guidance is crucial to minimize risk during construction and reform projects.
Property Administrators
From the Alicante Association of Property Administrators, the president highlights that safety has become the central topic of neighborhood meetings. Interest is so high that even some pre 1986 buildings, previously not required to have fire extinguishers, are now considering installation. The concern has reached a point where communities that were never required to have extinguishers are asking for them, noting that for a five story building, the cost can be as low as about 200 euros per year.
Another issue is the lack of mandatory civil liability insurance in all communities, a separate problem in the region. The presence of very old electrical panels adds another risk factor. At the same time, responsible practices should be observed. Even with safety measures in place, risky activities such as rooftop barbecues or using a grinder in a garage contribute to potential hazards that must be avoided.
These discussions reflect ongoing industry and community concerns about electrical safety standards and enforcement. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of fires caused by aging or poorly maintained electrical systems and to elevate overall building safety through proactive inspections and informed renovations.
[Citation: Valencia regional safety authorities provide ongoing data on fire incidents and safety reforms.]