Firefighters from the Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue Service of Alicante (SPEIS) responded to a kitchen fire at a pizzeria in Alicante, encountered on a Sunday afternoon near the Esplanade and Rambla. The incident occurred during a local Christmas festival when residents and visitors were gathered near a large Nativity scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though property damage occurred as a result of the blaze.
The alarm was raised around 16:00 when smoke appeared at the pizzeria. Three SPEIS units, consisting of fourteen firefighters, were dispatched along with three patrols from the Local Police. The teams arrived promptly and began tackling the fire with water and foam, focusing on limiting the spread and protecting nearby structures.
The fire quickly intensified in the kitchen area, producing dense smoke that traveled through the building and briefly affected the stairwell. Fire crews worked to contain the flames and prevent escalation, employing standard extinguishing techniques and ventilation to improve visibility and air quality for occupants. The operation proceeded with caution as crews connected water lines and established a steady water supply from municipal sources.
The response lasted over an hour, during which the restaurant and a nearby creperie were evacuated as a precaution. Both businesses sustained damage and remained closed pending assessment by inspectors, while surrounding premises were monitored for heat and potential hotspots. Local authorities coordinated the scene to ensure public safety and to manage the crowd gathered for the festival, with ongoing searches for any remaining ignition sources and assessment of structural integrity. The incident underscores the importance of rapid deployment, coordinated teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols in urban settings during large public events [SPEIS – Alicante Fire Department, incident report].
fire containment and aftermath
Firefighters cited unknown ignition factors as a possible cause, while the immediate priority was to safeguard lives and minimize property loss. The crews established a perimeter, conducted a preliminary sweep of the premises, and ensured all occupants had evacuated safely. Since no injuries were reported, the emphasis shifted to damage assessment and securing the site to prevent rekindling. Investigators from the fire service will conduct a formal examination to determine the origin and cause, a standard procedure after any significant event. Community members expressed relief that the festivities continued nearby with no serious harm, thanks to swift intervention by SPEIS and police units. The scene also provided a sober reminder of the need for strict fire safety measures in commercial kitchens, particularly during crowded public celebrations.