Two catastrophic wildfires swept through Vall d’Ebo in Alicante and Bejís in Castellón, triggering mass evacuations and leaving a wide stretch of land scorched. More than 2,000 residents were forced to leave their homes, and thousands of hectares were damaged or rendered unusable. The toll goes beyond material loss: six people were hospitalized with severe burns while attempting to escape a train caught in the blaze. These dramatic events have become the focal point of political activity, drawing leaders to the front lines and shaping the agenda across the region. Public figures, including ministers, the chairman and vice-chairman of the Generalitat, the government delegate, and the leader of the Provincial Assembly, have all reshaped schedules, postponing August holidays to prioritize relief and response efforts. The scenes on the streets show mayors and residents grappling with the crisis in real time, often under difficult conditions and with notable absenteeism among those who normally coordinate daily governance. A standout presence among the officials was Mireia Molla, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, recognized for her decisive engagement in the crisis response.
Reports indicate that Health Minister Miguel Mínguez was in Teruel when word reached him, prompting him to commandeer his own car and drive to Jérica, Castellón, where a field hospital was established to treat those injured in the rail incident. He subsequently made his way to La Fe hospital, where many of the wounded were admitted. At the same time, Ximo Puig, head of the Valencian regional government, along with Minister for Emergencies, Gabriela Bravo, prioritized the afflicted communities of Vall d’Ebo and Bejís, staying close to neighbors from emergency command posts to the coordination center. Their message was clear: the Generalitat would provide unwavering support to affected residents and local authorities in an orderly, well-structured manner.
Rain brings a temporary lull as fire crews declare stability in Vall d’Ebo
The central government also contributed to the crisis response. Two ministers joined the grassroots impeachment delegation, including Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who remained attentive to the Bejís situation. Science and Innovation Minister Diana Morant traveled to Vall d’Ebo, while Carlos Mazón, president of the Alicante Provincial Council, was on site for two consecutive days, following events minute by minute. Both leaders, along with other Generalitat officials, were present to ensure a coordinated response across Alicante and Castellón. While some partners in the administration suggested adopting a more cautious schedule and delaying comments until the situation stabilized, others stressed immediate action and visible leadership on the ground. In parallel, a public commitment was made to secure resources for recovery, with discussions about an extraordinary funding item aimed at assisting the affected regions. On a different note, Pilar Barnabas, a central government representative in the Community, traveled to Castellón to follow the evolving situation and to stay connected with local authorities, though initial meetings did not align on timing or emphasis.