The Valencia City Council has closed access to the Devesa de El Saler and has increased surveillance due to the extreme fire risk and the red alert for heat declared for this Wednesday.
The Valencia City Council activated the closure of access to the forest area of Devesa de El Saler, in the south of the city, from early Wednesday morning, due to the extreme fire risk and the red alert for high temperatures. The measure restricts the movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on the paths and trails of the area, and will remain in effect at least until next Friday, according to the resolution from the Generalitat.
The Councillor for Emergencies, Juan Carlos Caballero, has urged citizens to take extreme precautions and to always follow the instructions of the authorities "for the proper protection of the La Devesa Natural Park in light of the forest fire risk situation, which is compounded by the red alert for heat declared for this Wednesday."
Surveillance has been intensified with personnel from the El Saler Fire Brigade, the Local Police, the Forest Guard, and Civil Protection volunteers, in coordination with the Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat. The closure prohibits movement on paths and trails, as well as transit through fields or off-road, and suspends works, forestry activities, recreational use of fire, and authorisations for sporting activities in forested areas.
However, access will be allowed for management, supply, maintenance, and surveillance vehicles, as well as for residents to reach their homes and agricultural holdings. Caballero emphasised that the park has increased personnel and resources to address any eventuality.
Recommendations for Extreme Heat
In light of the red alert, the councillor has appealed to a "culture of prevention" and has urged special protection for the elderly, children, the sick, and vulnerable individuals. Recommendations include keeping homes cool and ventilated, avoiding direct sun exposure and outdoor sports activities, using sunscreen, eating light meals rich in water and minerals, drinking plenty of water, wearing light-coloured clothing, and not leaving people or pets inside a closed vehicle.
The City Council reminds that the city has a network of climate shelters distributed throughout neighbourhoods and districts, which offer thermal comfort during extreme heat, especially for the most vulnerable. Information about their locations and hours is available on the València Sostenible website.
Additionally, Valencia has 77 urban PUSDAR fountains (dechlorinated water supply points) that provide filtered and chilled drinking water for free. These fountains, with a capacity of 120 litres, undergo double filtration and disinfection using ultraviolet light and ozone, and are spread across all districts.
Caballero has insisted that "we know there are high temperatures, we know the risk of forest fires is extreme, and therefore we aim to work together among emergency services, the City Council, and also the citizens." Authorities are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay hydrated, using the fountains to refill bottles and cool off.
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