Demolition and Recovery Work for Rafael Alberti Street Blocked Residences in Valencia
Demolition projects will proceed in the two housing blocks on Rafael Alberti Street, number 2, in Valencia’s Campanar district. These buildings were badly damaged by a fire that destroyed them in February, and the current work will include removing facade debris from the second floor upward and cleaning the adhesive rock wool attached to the facade, among other tasks.
These operations are set to begin next Monday, as announced earlier this week by the Association of Homeowners Affected by the Fire (Aproicam). The city council of Valencia approved the occupation of public space to install a temporary fence, which will precede the start of the demolition work.
Work will involve removing remnants of the vertical walls of the houses, including interior and party-wall components such as framing, insulation, plasterboard, or tiling, as well as debris from false ceilings, flooring and landings, attic flooring, and remaining appliances, furniture, or belongings from each dwelling, according to Aproicam.
The plan also includes clearing and cleaning the remnants of the fire from common areas and the swimming pool, removing metal and glass from the facade enclosures, removing parts of the ventilated facade from the second floor upward, and cleaning the rock wool adhered to the facade.
In addition, all electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, telecommunications, or sanitation installations on or above the second floor will be removed, along with air conditioning units on the roof and elevator cabins.
The fire, which claimed ten lives, completely destroyed 138 homes within a matter of hours and left hundreds without housing. Investigators found a single primary ignition point in a freezer within the kitchen of home number 86. From that point, the fire spread rapidly through the building, according to a police technical inspection report prepared to determine the causes of the tragedy.
Initially, 99 families were relocated to a municipal public housing building in the Safranar area. They were gradually released as the city granted six months of free occupancy, with a three-month extension on the same terms.
On August 26, that deadline ended, and only seven families remain in the building. The city explained that these families face different circumstances, and assessments will continue with careful attention and detail.
A professional report commissioned by the block owners concluded in early June that the building could eventually be rehabilitated. This was welcomed by the residents, who had consistently supported rebuilding in Campanar.
Throughout the process, the overarching goal has been to restore safety and stability for the affected neighborhood, while laying the groundwork for a careful reconstruction plan that respects the interests of residents and the broader Campanar community. The authorities and Aproicam emphasize ongoing dialogue and meticulous evaluation as essential components of the recovery effort [Aproicam].