A wildfire sparked in the early hours of the morning near Mascarat and the Altea Hills district, forcing the evacuation of about thirty residents and disrupting major routes. The incident coincided with a busy stretch of the AP-7 and the N-332 as authorities scrambled to secure the area and manage traffic flow in the municipality of Altea. The information was released by the Generalitat’s Civilian Traffic Guards and Emergency Services teams.
Strong, gusty winds since late last night have hindered firefighting efforts. Residents reported via social media posts that flames were perilously close to homes and chalets in Altea Hills, sparking concern among the local community and prompting alert-level responses from emergency planners.
The Generalitat’s Emergency Coordination Center confirmed that around thirty individuals were evacuated as a precaution due to the proximity of the fire to residential zones and the potential for rapid spread.
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Two major road corridors were impacted by the fire, with sections closed to traffic. The regional tram network was temporarily unable to operate in the affected corridor, limiting mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Detours were established with a roughly 16-kilometer stretch of road blocked. The sole viable alternative for travelers heading toward Valencia or moving in the opposite direction was to pass through the city, adding to traffic congestion in the area.
According to the Generalitat’s Emergencies 112 service, a substantial response was deployed: 14 teams from the Provincial Fire Brigade Consortium, 4 aircraft, 2 Forest Fire Brigade units from the Generalitat, 2 fire engines, 2 ambulances, and a supervisory coordinator were mobilized to contain the blaze and safeguard nearby properties.
Authorities emphasized that the weather conditions—especially the persistent winds—could sustain rapid fire spread, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and coordinated action among police, fire brigades, and civil defense units. Residents were urged to follow official updates and adhere to evacuation directives as the situation evolved, with emergency teams prioritizing several objectives: protecting homes and infrastructure, maintaining safe traffic flow along alternative routes, and ensuring rapid medical attention for any injuries or smoke exposure.
Local officials noted the importance of preserving access for emergency vehicles while also balancing public safety concerns. The incident highlighted how quickly a wind-driven fire can alter the urban-rural boundary in hillside neighborhoods, reinforcing the value of preemptive planning and clear communication channels between authorities and residents.
As daylight approached, fire crews coordinated their efforts with air resources and land-based personnel to create fire breaks and prevent encroachment on higher-value properties. Residents in immediate risk zones were kept informed through official channels, and additional shelter options were prepared if necessary. The incident demonstrated the critical role of rapid response teams and robust interagency cooperation in mitigating damage from fast-moving wildfires in populated coastal regions.
(Citation: Generalitat Emergencies 112, regional fire brigades, and local authorities)