Wildfire in Soneja, Castellón, Forces Evacuation of 500, Burns 150 Hectares

A wildfire in Soneja (Castellón) has burned an estimated 150 hectares and forced the evacuation of 500 residents from the nearby town of Azuébar. Source: El Confidencial, El País

Fire status and response

The fire, declared Sunday at midday, evolved "negatively" despite the mobilization of up to 13 aerial means and numerous ground crews. Source: ABC, La Vanguardia The Generalitat Valenciana activated the Situación 2 of the PEIF, while El Español reported Situación 1. Source: ABC, El Español The Port of Sagunto was closed to facilitate water loading. Source: ABC

Evacuations and coordination

Azuébar's 500 residents were evacuated, with 55 housed in a seminary in Segorbe and others staying with relatives. Source: El Confidencial, El País The Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) deployed 50 members with 17 vehicles. Source: El Mundo The fire also entered slightly into the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. Source: El Confidencial

Ongoing efforts

Firefighters will work through the night to consolidate the perimeter, with aerial means to resume early Monday. Source: El Confidencial The president of the Generalitat urged caution due to high fire risk in the coming days. Source: El País