Soneja wildfire exceeds 180 hectares; 300 firefighters battle flames as heatwave grips Valencia
Approximately 300 firefighters are working to contain a wildfire near Soneja, Castellón, that has already burned up to 181 hectares. With a severe heatwave set to intensify conditions, officials warn the next hours are critical.
Fire scale and current status
The wildfire that broke out Sunday afternoon near Soneja in the province of Castellón had burned approximately 181 hectares by midday Monday. Officials report a perimeter of about 8,300 meters, though the blaze remains un-contained and un-stabilized. Overnight, calmer conditions, higher humidity and light winds, allowed ground crews to work without major spread, but the fire still grew from the 150 hectares estimated Sunday evening.
Firefighting deployment
Around 300 personnel from multiple agencies are engaged in the operation, including forestry firefighters from the Valencian Generalitat, the Provincial Fire Consortium of Castellón, municipal firefighters from Castellón de la Plana, and the Military Emergency Unit (UME). A total of 16 aerial resources (planes and helicopters) joined the fight this morning after being grounded during the night. Additionally, the central government has deployed 110 UME troops with 47 vehicles and 8 of its own aircraft. Regional president Juanfran Pérez Llorca praised the "fantastic" coordination among administrations.
All the work we advance now will be crucial to try to contain this fire.
Weather threats
Meteorological forecasts indicate worsening conditions as a heatwave settles over the region. Midday temperatures are expected to reach 38°C with relative humidity dropping to 15%. Wind gusts from the southeast are predicted to reach 40 km/h, pushing up the Palancia Valley. Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, warned that the situation would deteriorate through the morning, with the critical hours between late morning and afternoon. The regional government has issued a joint resolution with recommendations for the heatwave, also cautioning against the possibility of dry thunderstorms and heat bursts.
Evacuations and safety
The neighbouring municipality of Azuébar was evacuated, affecting approximately 500 people. Most found shelter with relatives or acquaintances, while 41 were housed in the Seminary of Segorbe. Authorities say residents cannot return yet; a decision will be made at midday based on fire behaviour and forecasts. Pérez Llorca appealed to the public for "maximum precaution and collaboration" and urged adherence to safety instructions from security forces.
- Wildfire ignites near Soneja, Castellón.
- 150 hectares burned; Azuébar evacuated (500 people).
- 12 aerial resources dispatched to the fire.
- Aemet warns conditions worsen: 40 km/h gusts, 38°C heat, low humidity.
- 181 hectares affected, 300 firefighters on scene; fire not perimetrado.
Investigation
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Seprona, the Nature Protection Service of the Guardia Civil. Central government delegate Pilar Bernabé stated that initial indications "do not point to natural causes" and that the point of origin is "very localized," suggesting an early determination may be possible.
The next hours are crucial, and especially the coming days with maximum temperatures, so we insist on raising public awareness to follow all guidance through official channels.
