Castellón Wildfire Grows to 7,200 Hectares as Sánchez Visits Fire Zone

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the wildfire command center in La Vall d’Uixó, Castellón, on Monday as firefighters continued battling one of Spain’s largest active wildfires, which has forced the evacuation of around 16,000 residents.

During his visit to the Advanced Command Post, Sánchez urged the public to remain vigilant, warning that “difficult and complex hours” lie ahead as higher temperatures are forecast in the coming days.

Prime Minister Calls for Extreme Caution

Speaking to the media, Sánchez said the immediate priority was protecting lives, safeguarding communities and supporting firefighting efforts.

“The priority is to protect people’s lives, the population centers, and to fight the fire,” he said, while asking residents affected by evacuations and confinement orders for “patience and understanding.”

The Prime Minister also called on citizens across Spain to exercise extreme caution as wildfire conditions remain severe due to the ongoing heat and dry weather.

Residents Protest During Visit

Sánchez’s arrival at the fire zone was met with protests from some local residents, with several people shouting insults and calling him a “traitor” as he entered the command center.

Despite the hostile reception, the Prime Minister continued his visit and received operational briefings from emergency services coordinating the response.

Fire Continues to Expand

The wildfire, which broke out on Saturday near La Vall d’Uixó in the Valencian Community, remains active and has now burned approximately 7,200 hectares.

Emergency services estimate the fire’s perimeter has expanded to around 67 kilometers, making it one of the most significant wildfires currently affecting Spain.

Support From Aragón

Firefighting resources from the regional Government of Aragón have joined the emergency response, with INFOAR personnel and equipment assisting crews from the Valencian Community in efforts to contain the blaze.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely as forecasts from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) indicate temperatures will rise over the coming days, potentially complicating firefighting operations further.