A fire broke out Friday evening at Bingo Mediterráneo located on Calle Pintor Benedito, Valencia, creating considerable panic among locals and forcing emergency services to spring to action. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:40 PM, resulted in significant smoke, obstructing visibility across various parts of the city.
The local police were quick to respond, closing off several major thoroughfares, including Gran Vía Ramón y Cajal and Avenida Pérez Galdós. While the fire initiation is believed to have occurred in the kitchen area of the bingo hall, no injuries were reported. Local Mayor María José Catalá confirmed, “The fire started in the kitchen; we believe the extinction will be long. The smoke is what concerns us the most, but we think there are no more risks.”
Although the bingo hall was initially open, there were no patrons inside at the moment the flames ignited. Still, the rapid production of smoke necessitated the evacuation of 32 residents from nearby buildings, particularly the elderly and those with mobility limitations. Among those evacuated was a 100-year-old woman, who received immediate attention from caregiving staff.
Witnesses reported chaos as residents were alerted to evacuate. One nurse, Raúl, stated, “I was eating with my father and brother at a nearby restaurant when I saw what was happening. I gathered whatever medical supplies I could find at home and stood by, waiting for directions. It seems everyone is okay for now.”
Emergency services were also mobilized, sending seven fire engines, units from the SAMU, basic life support ambulances, and primary care medical teams to handle the situation. Together, they treated 18 people on site for smoke inhalation, all of whom were released without needing hospital admission. “We are saying it will take time because there is much combustion and much material burning, which makes it very difficult for them to return home tonight,” added Catalá, reiteratively emphasizing the complications faced by emergency crews.
This incident echoes the city's previous challenges with catastrophic fires, particularly the infamous Campanar fire last year, which adds emotional weight to this current crisis. Residents watched the billowing smoke engulf the neighborhood, leading many to break out masks as safety precautions. The local authorities acted swiftly, advising citizens to keep windows closed and avoid unnecessary outings until the air quality returned to normal.
One eyewitness explained, “We were outside, and all of a sudden, we saw the thick black smoke rising. People were panicking, running back to salvage their things, and many were just confused and distressed.”
Security forces and around 50 members of the police were deployed to manage the area and assist fire crews. The integration of additional police forces helped maintain order as conditions were chaotic and anxiety-prone. For the evacuated residents, the local government has arranged hotel accommodations, indicating the seriousness with which they are treating the matter.
“We are working closely with local businesses to provide assistance for those now temporarily displaced,” said the mayor's office, highlighting the community's resilience even amid disaster.
Meanwhile, experts are still investigating the cause of the fire. Firefighters will carry out thorough examination and clean-up operations before the area can be deemed safe for residents to return. According to authorities, the situation remains fluid, and active measures will continue as necessary.
Overall, the response from emergency services has been commendable, with M. Catalá's timely presence at the scene signaling local leadership's commitment to public safety. She remained vigilant, coordinating the care of evacuees and assuring them of the measures taken to safeguard their well-being.
Though the immediate danger has been managed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols and community readiness. Emergency procedures activated during this incident will be reviewed and improved as part of Valencia's continuous efforts to protect its citizens commuting daily through city streets fraught with unforeseen calamities.