Concerns Rise‌ Over Fire ​Hazards and Flood Risks in Orihuela Costa

Residents of Orihuela ⁣Costa are sounding the alarm over safety concerns following a recent ⁤wildfire that swept⁤ through the Las Ramblas area. The‍ incident, which led to the evacuation of 50 residents, has further emphasized the pressing need for the‌ local⁢ government to step ‌up maintenance work on ​critical waterways.

Fire⁤ Incident Highlights Local Concerns

on Sunday, May 12, 2025, a fire‍ broke out, affecting three hectares of land and‍ damaging​ the facades and terraces of four homes.Firefighting efforts included the deployment of a ⁣helicopter, underscoring the⁤ seriousness of the ‍incident.⁤ This⁣ fiery episode has spotlighted the urgent demands from the community regarding the cleanliness of local ramblas and ​waterways.

Residents Demand Action

The⁣ newly established Asociación de vecinos Costa Campoamor has announced plans to formally address ⁢thier ⁣concerns to the local government. Led by Manuel⁤ Mestre,⁢ the Councilor for the Coast, the‍ group intends to register ​a written complaint emphasizing‍ three primary risks linked to the lack of waterway maintenance:

• Flood Risks: Residents highlight that poor maintenance and damaged infrastructure pose a significant risk of ‍flooding, especially ‍during heavy rainfall.
• Health Concerns: ⁤The accumulation of debris is believed to foster pest problems, including rats and‍ mosquitoes, leading to ⁣unpleasant odors and health hazards.
• Fire Hazards: The dense overgrowth and dry​ vegetation increase the risk of wildfires, threatening nearby homes.

The ⁢association’s recent ⁣written complaint aims not onyl at the Costa Council but also at various branches of ⁢the local ⁢government, including the mayor’s office ‌and departments responsible for infrastructure and environmental health.

Historical Context of Fire Incidents

Local residents are ‍all too familiar with the dangers ​posed by wildfires. Just last year, another fire in a nearby area caused extensive damage, and ⁤a significant incident in 2023 burned 12 hectares of⁣ land adjacent to golf courses in Campoamor and Las Ramblas.

Community Feedback and Next Steps

Residents are now rallying around the association’s efforts to ensure that their voices are heard. They ⁤believe⁤ that‍ immediate cleaning of the ramblas‌ is crucial to prevent‌ future⁤ disasters.The association previously brought this issue to Councilor Mestre’s attention during a district meeting, but was advised that formal requests need to be submitted in writing.

As the ongoing fire threats⁢ remind ​everyone of the vulnerabilities in their community, local residents insist that municipal authorities ⁢take swift action to ‍address these pressing issues.

### Sources
– [La Verdad](https://www.laverdad.es/orihuela-torrevieja/vecinos-costa-orihuela-insisten-pedir-limpieza-ramblas-20250513234225-nt.html)