Firefighters Battle Benidorm Forest Blaze as Evacuations and Safety Measures Heighten
Nearly 50 firefighters, including over a dozen aerial units, are engaged in efforts to extinguish a forest fire declared in Benidorm, Alicante. The situation has warranted the activation of Level 1 of the Special Plan for Forest Fires (PEIF), leading to significant safety measures including the interruption of traffic on the AP7 towards Valencia and the cutting of electricity supply in the affected area.
According to the provincial firefighting service, the fire's development is progressing favorably. Precautionary evacuations were executed at Terra Natura as per the directions of the Emergency Coordination Center, announced through their social media channels.
The Provincial Consortium of Firefighters of Alicante reported that the fire has crossed to the other side of the road, raising concerns for several isolated homes in the vicinity that may be impacted. The outbreak, which ignited on Saturday afternoon, saw an immediate response with two aerial units deployed and a helitack crew, accompanied by four units from the Provincial Consortium.
As of 7:25 PM, firefighting efforts intensified, with 11 aerial units and three heliborne brigades actively working within the fire zone. The Ministry contributed three amphibious planes to support the ground efforts, alongside 15 units from the provincial firefighting service from San Vicente, Benidorm, and Dénia parks. In addition, six forest firefighting units from the Generalitat and two fire engines, along with a coordinating supervisor and an environmental agent, are stationed on-site to manage the crisis.
The establishment of Level 1 alert of the PEIF is a crucial decision based on the emergency's potential to severely impact forest assets. Furthermore, the situation poses a slight risk to nearby populations and non-forest assets, necessitating the engagement of extraordinary resources for successful extinguishment efforts. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they deploy vast resources to contain the fire and safeguard the community.
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