Valencia, Spain - May 4, 2024

The Guardia Civil is actively probing the causes behind the recent wildfire in Ribarroja de Turia, Valencia, following suspicions of arson. This blaze, which erupted last Saturday in a forested area, forced the confinement of the nearby Masia de Traver urbanization as flames encroached dangerously close.

The inferno, which ignited around 2:00 pm in a riverside location, also necessitated the suspension of Metro Line 2 services between La Canyada and l'Eliana. Firefighters from the Provincial Consortium battled tirelessly for hours until the blaze was deemed stabilized at 11:00 pm. Subsequent cooling efforts continued throughout Sunday.

The presence of Pilar Bernabe, the Government Delegate in the Valencian Community, alongside Mayor Robert Raga, underscored the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the press, Bernabe revealed ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify those responsible for a previous fire at the same location on April 24th, which investigators believe was deliberately set.

Bernabe expressed gratitude for the dedication of firefighters and emergency personnel, highlighting the seamless execution of evacuation procedures. She also underscored the government's commitment to environmental restoration initiatives, particularly focusing on river cleanup efforts in collaboration with the Confederacion Hidrografica del Jucar (CHJ).