An intense fire gutted a building in Valencia’s Campanar district, with initial assessments pointing to the eighth floor as the origin of the blaze. Adriana Banu, the building administrator, conveyed this detail to Levante-EMV, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, noting the uncertainty about how the flames started. She also described the facade as Alucobond, a material not easily combustible, though the underlying fiber insulation may have contributed to the spread. The conserje, speaking through tears, explained that the ignition occurred at door 86 while the occupants were away, making it difficult to determine the exact ignition source. The absence of a gas system and the building’s electricity-based utilities were mentioned as factors in the investigation. [Attribution: Levante-EMV]
Administrators emphasized the basement area, where three underground parking levels house electric vehicles. There is concern about the potential consequences if the fire reaches these lower spaces, given the presence of high-energy batteries. The administrator stressed the unknowns surrounding that scenario, highlighting the risk potential for the entire structure. [Attribution: Levante-EMV]
The catastrophic fire in Valencia’s Maestro Rodrigo avenue began shortly after 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday. Strong winds and the building’s construction materials likely aided rapid flame propagation throughout the block, complicating containment efforts. [Attribution: Levante-EMV]
About an hour after the emergency call, residents remained trapped in some units, signaling for help from balconies as firefighters deployed aerial units to facilitate rescues. The use of height apparatus enabled crews to reach displaced residents and evacuate them safely. [Attribution: Levante-EMV]
Officials described the event as one of the most severe fires in Valencia’s recent history. Seven individuals were treated for burns, smoke inhalation, and fractures, including two firefighters and a minor. Medical personnel and emergency teams coordinated closely to manage the scene and provide urgent care to those affected. [Attribution: Levante-EMV]