An emergency unfolded when a fire broke out in a residential building in Alicante’s Albufereta district, a 26-storey structure that stands prominently in the neighborhood. The incident began on Sol Naciente street, around eight in the evening, when smoke began to fill living spaces and residents on the higher floors hurried to exit onto the street. The blaze started in a kitchen, according to initial information collected by emergency responders, and rapidly spread to surrounding rooms, inflicting substantial material damage on the unit involved. The sight of dark smoke billowing upward drew a crowd of onlookers while firefighters and police managed the scene and ensured bystanders stayed clear of danger. [AP]
The unfolding events demanded a robust response from the Phoenix of local safety services. A full team of eleven firefighters from the Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue Service, known as SPEIS, was dispatched to the location, accompanied by three police patrols and medical crews from SAMU. The coordinated effort was aimed at containing the fire, rescuing occupants, and preventing the spread of flames to neighboring units. The role of the SPEIS team included using the building’s dry column to access affected floors and perform critical operations to control the fire and limit further damage. [NHS]
As firefighters battled the inferno on the 18th floor, residents on upper levels found themselves stranded and anxious as the smoke thickened and visibility dropped. The intensity of the smoke created a hazardous environment, forcing responders to work quickly while residents were guided to safety. The effort to extinguish the flames was diligent but challenging, given the height of the structure and the density of the smoke that filled corridors and rooms. The incident underscored the importance of rapid evacuation protocols and the effectiveness of the building’s safety systems during a high-rise emergency. [EMS]
The rapid smoke development also affected those inside the apartment where the fire began. A woman among the residents on an upper floor experienced smoke inhalation while attempting to manage the situation, and she, along with another person who was intoxicated by smoke, received immediate medical attention at the scene. An additional individual was treated for an anxiety episode triggered by the crisis. These cases required hospital transport for further observation and care by ambulance personnel. [Medics]
rescued dog
Firefighters succeeded in rescuing a dog from the burning unit, a relief amid the tense hours of the operation. In their communication with neighbors, SPEIS advised residents to stay indoors and keep doors closed to minimize exposure to fumes. Neighbors were reminded not to lean out windows or balconies, as doing so could heighten the risk of inhalation and hinder emergency efforts. The overall operation highlighted the importance of following instruction from first responders and maintaining a calm, orderly response during such hazardous events. [SPEIS]