A fire near Valencia’s Oceanogràfic caused major traffic disruption on Sunday after thick smoke forced authorities to close the V-15 motorway in both directions and suspend tram services in the area.

The blaze broke out near the Saler motorway, close to the tunnel surrounding the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. According to local authorities, the fire started on a vacant plot opposite the Oceanogràfic in the Camí Nou del Salinar area, although its exact cause remains under investigation.

Heavy Smoke Forces Road and Tram Closures

Dense smoke quickly reduced visibility, prompting Valencia Local Police to shut down both directions of the V-15 as a safety precaution. Tram services through the affected area were also temporarily suspended while emergency crews responded to the incident.

The smoke spread rapidly across several nearby landmarks, including the Oceanogràfic, the Saler shopping centre and parts of the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, causing significant disruption for commuters and visitors.

Firefighters and police secured the area and worked to contain the blaze while redirecting traffic. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes as congestion built up around one of Valencia’s busiest transport corridors.

Authorities have not reported any injuries, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. An investigation is expected to establish how the blaze started.

The fire also comes while emergency crews remain stretched across the Valencian Community, where a major wildfire in Castellón province continues to burn. Since igniting near Vall de Uxó on Saturday, the blaze has scorched around 8,500 hectares. Although the lockdown in Vall de Uxó has been lifted, evacuation orders remain in place for several municipalities as firefighters continue to battle difficult weather conditions.