In the end, regardless of the statements made, the details provided by Gabriela Bravo, Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Public Administration, regarding Generalitat’s handling of the August fires—the most serious ones in Vall d’Ebo and Bejís in Castellón—became a focal point. The initial parliamentary session, conducted within the framework of the Cortes permanent delegation, underscored that the environmental disaster, which devastated about 31,000 hectares of forest, would likely become a central instrument in the opposition’s strategy as the political term draws to a close. Bravo faced calls to resign, while the public gaze shifted toward Mireia Mollà, the regional Environment Minister. Yet the real political theater would soon center on the chairman of the Consell, the socialist Ximo Puig, who was expected to address the situation.
“The opposition is trying to gain political advantage from a tragedy. Decisions were made by technicians at the Advanced Command Center”
Gabriela Bravo – Minister of Justice
Generality’s actions during the fires, especially the incident that sent six people to hospital after a train ran through a firefront in Castellón, drew substantial scrutiny. Who bears responsibility for a convoy entering a zone under threat from flames? This question has been a persistent thread for the opposition since the events on 16 August. Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez testified in Congress, stating that neither Adif nor Renfe had received information about the Bejís fire or the track’s condition. It was also questioned why the 112 emergency number failed to alert people to a potential tragedy. Bravo confirmed that the Generalitat’s Emergency Coordination Center had not received directives from the Bejís Fire Brigade Forward Command to close the Valencia-Zaragoza railway line due to the fire. A Parliamentarian framed the situation as a preliminary Castellón fire department report that described a dangerous mix of factors turning a routine fire into what could be described as a firestorm. In three hours, Bejís expanded from 600 hectares to 3,700, driven by an abrupt shift in conditions that made the fire exceptionally violent and erratic. If the rail closure had not been ordered, it was argued, it might be because the danger was not seen early enough. The forward command decisions, the minister stressed, were made by technical staff, not by politicians. “I don’t have the capacity to decide if we should intercept; no,” Bravo asserted, condemning the opposition for seeking political gain.
“It was Bravo’s responsibility that the train did not leave Valencia station. We ask for her resignation”
Miguel Barrachina – People’s Party Member of Parliament
The People’s Party, the main party on the right, pressed for political accountability and insisted Bravo should step down. “It was your sole responsibility. It is up to you to end and coordinate the Generalitat’s actions with other administrations,” Barrachina stated, signaling that Adif should have been informed and implying that decisive action was lacking.
“Mollà did not appear to answer questions. He should explain Botanic’s role in fire prevention”
Eduardo del Pozo – Citizens’ Assistant
The PP also maintained that Puig should appear and made clear that the demand would persist. Members of Citizens joined the critique, with MP Eduardo del Pozo questioning whether any real progress had been achieved in fire prevention and extinction over the past decade. He explained that his group wanted Mollà to testify. “The lives of many people were put at risk, and that requires transparency and accountability,” he said in the assembly.