Earlier today, the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante mobilized quickly after a blaze erupted in a three-story building located at Ulpiano Street 80 in Torrevieja. The incident began shortly before noon, at 11:49, inside a structure that appeared abandoned yet was occupied by residents at the time. The scene demanded a swift, coordinated response from multiple emergency services to manage a rapidly changing fire situation.
When units arrived, they faced intense flames centered in the basement and the elevator shaft. These spaces were packed with belongings, mattresses, and clutter that accelerated ignition and complicated suppression efforts. The heat and thick smoke created immediate dangers for anyone still inside and required deliberate planning to protect those on the upper floors while crews worked to extinguish the flames below.
Three residents on the third floor attempted a self-evacuation by descending through the interior stairs, an action that exposed them to severe burns and smoke inhalation. Their experience underscored the critical need for controlled evacuation procedures and safety measures on site to prevent further harm as conditions evolved. Rescue teams maintained vigilant watch to minimize additional exposure risks for occupants who remained inside during the evolving operation.
In the rest of the building, others who could not evacuate immediately were directed to designated safe zones. Once conditions allowed, occupants were guided out through controlled procedures intended to prevent injuries and ensure orderly movement away from danger. Fire personnel established clear escape routes and kept up continuous communication with residents to offer reassurance while prioritizing rapid, orderly exits.
Two individuals sustained severe burns and were transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent care. One person was evacuated by air, using Alpha 9, to the General Hospital, while the other received treatment at Torrevieja Hospital. Medical teams and paramedics worked in concert to stabilize these patients and provide essential care during transport, illustrating the integrated response between fire crews and emergency medical services.
Firefighters continued their efforts to ventilate the building and reduce the risk of rekindling as the situation evolved. At the time of reporting, the exact causes of the fire had not been officially confirmed, but investigators from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante maintained vigilant oversight and collaborated with local authorities to monitor developments and collect evidence for a formal inquiry.
To manage the operation, the Consortium deployed a Command Unit and a Headquarters Unit, supported by a Heavy Urban Pump. The teams included a sergeant, a corporal, and four firefighters from the Torrevieja station. The active collaboration of two Emergency Medical Service units and local police proved crucial in ensuring the safe evacuation of residents and the prompt delivery of medical care to those injured. The combined efforts highlight the importance of cross-agency coordination in urban fire emergencies and the ongoing commitment to public safety in the region. [citation: Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante]