There was a vehicle fire that began early this morning on Ruperto Chapí Street, causing extensive damage to several cars and smoke injuries to nearby residents. The blaze started in one vehicle and spread to other parked cars along the same road, creating a dangerous situation for the neighborhood.
Firefighters were alerted at 3 a.m. and responded quickly as flames spread from the initial vehicle to five additional vehicles lined up on the street. The fire also reached the facades of two nearby buildings and damaged the exterior of a house, prompting a larger emergency response from the local services.
According to CICU reports, two basic life support (BLS) units, a SAMU unit, and a primary care team were mobilized to manage the scene and attend to the residents affected by smoke inhalation. Seven people were treated for smoke inhalation on site, with four of them—two women aged 76 and 89 and two men aged 65 and 85—being discharged at once after evaluation. A 94-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman required further assessment, and a 35-year-old man was transported by BLS ambulances to Virgen de los Lirios Hospital in Alcoy for additional care.
The incident involved a substantial deployment of firefighting resources: 13 firefighters from La Montaña (Cocentaina), Ibi, and Villena, supported by two command units, a heavy urban pump, a ladder truck, two heavy supply pumps, a heavy rural pump, a sergeant, and three additional personnel at the command center. The coordinated effort ensured containment and progress toward extinguishing the fire, with official confirmation that it was fully extinguished around 07:14. This operation is documented by the CICU as part of the ongoing public safety response to apartment and vehicle fire emergencies in the region.
Residents who were treated and released on the scene included several who had suffered from smoke exposure, while others were transported for further medical evaluation. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and assess any potential structural damage to nearby buildings, as well as the safety of surrounding vehicles and homes. No further injuries were reported beyond those already treated, and assistance crews remained on standby to manage any aftereffects of the incident.
The rapid response by the emergency services highlights the importance of early notification and structured incident command when vehicle fires threaten multiple properties. Community members are reminded to check their smoke detectors, keep flammable materials away from vehicles, and ensure clear access for emergency responders in the event of a similar emergency in the future.