Firefighters extinguish Orihuela mountains blaze near Montepinar homes

Firefighters in Alicante have managed to put out a fire that broke out in the Orihuela mountains. To be specific, the blaze broke out in the Cruz de la Muela area, at the beginning of the ascent, a particularly dangerous area since it was located near the Montepinar residential development. Despite the fire’s close proximity to local homes, no evacuations were necessary and no injuries were reported during the daring operation.

Firefighters extinguish flame near local community

The fire broke out on the evening of Monday, April 13, at 10:17pm. The fire was reported as being in a difficult area to access, requiring the deployment of two forest fire units with two heavy pumps, four teams from the Orihuela and Almoradi fire stations, three commanders from the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium, and one environmental agent.

After hours of work, the first responders were able to stabilise the flame on the morning of Tuesday, April 14, at around 4:00am. According to the consortium, the fire was probably caused by a lightning strike that hit the area days before the fire. The Montepinar Residents’ Association had also alerted the town hall in early March of numerous dry pine trees in the nearby forest, reportedly caused by a widespread plague among the flora.

In regions like Alicante, that boast many mountainous areas but many dry landscapes susceptible to fires breaking out, first responders like the firefighters that extinguished this blaze are absolutely imperative for the safety of residents.

Recent rescues highlight importance of first responders

Firefighters are also important for rescues that need to be carried out across the province. Earlier this year, firefighters from the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium were called to rescue a horse that had fallen into a well in Pinoso, between the districts of Ubeda and Culebron. The animal was submerged after it fell into a well through a cavity, according to the consortium. The animal was found to be in good condition after a veterinary examination.

Similarly, an injured climber was rescued from a hike in the mountains of Alicante near Orihuela.