Locals help firemen to fight Javea blaze

APARTMENT blocks were in the line of fire when a blaze broke out on a large lowland area of Javea town known as Saladar.

Using domestic garden hoses, residents joined local police and La Guardia in helping to dampen down Calle de Atenas, a narrow strip of road that formed the only natural firebreak between the fire and their homes.

Fanned by strong winds, fire fighters, supported by helicopters, fought to control the flames from engulfing several isolated Finca’s in the vicinity as well as protecting the apartment blocks and an adjacent flat area used as a park for mobile home owners and families visiting the nearby popular Arenal beach.

At one stage, the smoke became so intense; firemen were forced to don special equipment to fight their way to the heart of the blaze.

Although the following morning the fire was officially declared extinguished, a senior fire official said that they would be keeping a watchful eye on the area for at least a week.

There were no reported casualties or damage to property, a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the local Balcon Al Mar fire fighting force.

Ironically, the Saladar area, once a lagoon, is well known to be prone to flooding, which is why it is one of the only large undeveloped areas actually located in Javea town.

The land is protected under the General Town Plan and declared an area of ecological interest that supports three important species of Valenciano threatened plants; Parentucellia viscose, Limonium Interjectum and Cressa Cretica.

Photo credit: B Davis
By Benny Davis

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