On Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025, a fire broke out in the Luropa building located at number 2 on Fernando el Católico street in Castellón de la Plana, causing significant alarm in the Grapa neighborhood. The fire, which started on the ninth floor, was reported to emergency services at 17:50 hours. Firefighters from four crews, totaling around twenty personnel, were dispatched to the scene along with emergency medical services, resulting in a robust response to the unfolding crisis.
The flames quickly spread not only through the Luropa building but also to an adjacent structure, creating a substantial column of smoke that was visible across various parts of the city. Local authorities acted swiftly, cordoning off several streets, including Fernando el Católico and Maestro Ripollés, to ensure the safety of residents and emergency responders alike.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities or severe injuries reported. However, four individuals required medical attention for minor injuries. Among them were two firefighters, aged 31 and 39, who suffered from heat-related ailments, and a 75-year-old woman who experienced minor burns and an anxiety attack. All four were treated and released on-site, according to municipal sources.
Castellón's mayor, Begoña Carrasco, arrived at the scene to oversee the emergency response and expressed relief that there were no serious casualties. "The best news is that we do not have to lament any fatalities or severe injuries," she stated during a press briefing. She praised the rapid and coordinated efforts of the firefighters, the National Police, and the Local Police in controlling the situation and ensuring public safety.
As the fire raged, many residents were instructed to evacuate their homes due to the thick smoke, while others remained confined under the guidance of firefighters. Among those who were evacuated was Dolores, a resident of the Luropa building, who recounted her terrifying experience as she entered her room to find it engulfed in flames. "The glass was shattered, the blinds were broken, and my bed and clothes were burned... I didn’t know what was happening," she told reporters after receiving treatment for burns on her hand.
In total, ten residents displaced by the fire have been temporarily housed in hotels by the City Council. The mayor assured that the council would assist those affected and is currently assessing the damage to determine when residents might be able to return home.
The fire's causes remain under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it may have originated in the lightwell of the first floor. The mayor indicated that a thorough inspection would be conducted to evaluate the safety of the affected apartments. "It is a miracle that there were no serious injuries or fatalities," Carrasco noted, emphasizing the importance of the emergency response and the need for ongoing vigilance.
As emergency crews continued to work on the scene, they faced challenges due to the building's layout, which opens onto three different streets. This complexity necessitated a coordinated effort among various emergency services, including the deployment of three ambulances and multiple police patrols to manage the situation effectively.
The rapid spread of the fire raised concerns among residents, many of whom were elderly or had reduced mobility. Emergency services conducted door-to-door checks to ensure everyone's safety, further underscoring the community's collective response to the crisis.
In the aftermath of the fire, the mayor and other city officials have been in contact with regional authorities, including Juan Carlos Valderrama, the Conseller of Emergencies and Interior, to ensure that all necessary resources are allocated for recovery efforts.
As the situation stabilizes, residents are left with the uncertainty of when they will be able to return to their homes. The City Council has committed to keeping the affected individuals informed as assessments of the damage continue. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and community solidarity in times of crisis.
In summary, the fire in Castellón de la Plana has been a significant event for the local community, highlighting both the risks posed by such emergencies and the rapid response capabilities of local authorities. As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to recovery and support for those affected.
