The Alzira City Council has activated an emergency plan in response to the red alert for extreme heat and the maximum risk of forest fires. The measures include the closure of the natural area of Murta and Casella and restrictions on the market.
The Alzira City Council has launched a special emergency device in response to the red alert for extreme heat and the level 3 pre-emergency for forest fires, which will affect the entire Ribera Alta region. This measure comes after the Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat Valenciana (CCE) issued a special warning for this Tuesday, August 18, which will last until Thursday, August 20.
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), temperatures are expected to reach and exceed 43 degrees in various parts of the municipal area, with the most critical peak anticipated for Wednesday and Thursday. The extremely warm and dry air mass, accompanied by westerly winds, has led the council to convene the local emergency committee, CECOPAL, this morning.
Closures and restrictions in public spaces
One of the first decisions has been the total closure of the Municipal Natural Area of Murta and Casella, where any visits, walks, or sports activities are suspended. The Municipal Cemetery will also be closed during the hottest hours of the day, although it will remain operational for funerals.
The mobile market on Wednesday, August 19, will take place, but with strict adaptations: commercial activity must end by 12:00 hours, at which point vendors will have to pack up their stalls. The City Council also recommends rescheduling all outdoor events planned for the hottest hours, moving them to after 20:00 hours.
Monitoring device and prohibitions
A monitoring committee has been established to coordinate a broad protective and continuous surveillance operation. The Local Police of Alzira will increase patrolling in key areas of the municipality, with support from the Environment Department, volunteers from VACIF (Volunteering of Alzira Against Forest Fires), and Civil Protection.
Any type of fire, fireworks, barbecues, or paelleros is absolutely prohibited, even in recreational areas or private land located less than 500 meters from forested land. The use of mechanical tools that may generate sparks, such as brush cutters, grinders, or chainsaws, is also suspended in that same safety zone.
Health recommendations
The Alzira City Council calls for caution and civic responsibility, with special attention to the most vulnerable groups. It is recommended to maintain frequent and abundant hydration, avoid direct sun exposure between 12:00 and 19:00 hours, and pay special attention to the elderly, children, those with chronic illnesses, and those living alone.
For pets, it is advised to ensure constant shade and fresh water, avoiding walking them during the hottest hours on very hot surfaces like asphalt. At home, it is recommended to lower blinds and close windows during direct sunlight hours, ventilate in the morning or evening, and avoid using high thermal consumption appliances like the oven during peak hours.
As a social support measure, a climate shelter at the Red Cross headquarters has been set up to assist homeless individuals and the most vulnerable. In the event of any column of smoke, fire outbreak, or symptoms compatible with severe heat stroke, such as dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, it is urged to call 112 immediately.
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