The Valencian Regional Government has activated pre-emergency level 3—the highest level provided for in the Special Plan for Forest Fire Risk (PEIF)—throughout the Valencian Community from Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, both days inclusive. The measure is in response to an extreme fire risk combined with exceptionally high temperatures and the possibility of dry thunderstorms in inland areas.
The decision was adopted through a joint resolution by the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response and the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Territory, and takes effect immediately and is mandatory.
What is prohibited during these four days
The restrictions apply to all forested areas in the Valencian Community and include:
- It is prohibited to travel on trails and cross-country paths, as well as on forest tracks and roads, with any type of vehicle, bicycle, or on foot.
- It is prohibited to light any type offire in forested areas and within their surrounding zone of influence, up to 500 meters.
- Suspension of construction and other work on forest land or in its immediate vicinity.
- Suspension of the recreational use of fire in forested areas and within that same 500-meter radius.
- Suspension of permits for off-road driving in forested areas, as well as any sporting events taking place on such terrain.
- Suspension of sports and recreational activities in recreational areas, camping zones, camps, hostels, and campgrounds located on forest land, outside their own facilities.
- The ban on entry to natural parks explicitly applies to the following: Serra d’Irta, Penyagolosa, Desert de les Palmes, Tinença de Benifassà, Serra d’Espadà, Serra Calderona, Chera-Sot de Chera, Puebla de San Miguel, Túria, Hoces del Cabriel, Serra de Mariola, Font Roja, El Montgó, Serra Gelada, Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca, Marjal Pego-Oliva, and the Albufera forest area. Vehicles used for management, supply, maintenance, surveillance, or access to residences, farms, or service facilities located within the parks are exempt from the closure.
The Valencia City Council closes the Devesa de El Saler
In accordance with the regional resolution, the Valencia City Council has ordered the complete closure of the Devesa de El Saler forest to all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The restriction also applies to the forested area of the Albufera Natural Park and cancels all activities within that area during the specified period.
The Councilor for Emergencies, Juan Carlos Caballero, has asked the public to “follow the authorities’ instructions at all times to properly protect La Devesa Natural Park in light of the forest fire risk, which is compounded by the heat wave that will continue through next Thursday.”
To reinforce surveillance, the city government has deployed personnel from the Devesa Forest Rangers, the El Saler Fire Station, the Valencia Local Police, and Civil Protection volunteers, in constant coordination with the Generalitat’s Emergency Center (112), the Civil Guard’s Seprona unit, and the Regional Police. In addition, the SIDEINFO water cannons in El Saler have been activated to maintain humidity in the forest in the face of extreme heat.
