Summary
- A strong smell of burning smoke was reported in Torrevieja, Murcia, due to a wildfire near mar Menor.
- The fire started in a protected natural area called La Marina del Carmolí, close to the Rambla del Albujón.
- About 3 hectares of forest land were burned in Torre del Rame, Cartagena.
- Firefighters, aided by three helicopters and forestry brigades, worked hard to contain and stabilize the fire by late afternoon.
- Emergency services responded quickly after nearly 100 calls were received around 6 p.m.
A Strong Burnt Smell and Smoke in Torrevieja: What Happened?
Residents of Torrevieja and neighboring towns in the Region of Murcia experienced a strong odor of burning and saw a visible cloud of smoke throughout Thursday afternoon. This was caused by a wildfire that broke out in La Marina del Carmolí, part of the protected natural landscape of the Mar Menor area.
Where did the Fire Start?
The fire originated near the Rambla del Albujón,close to the RM-F54 road in an area of cane fields (cañaveral). This natural space is included in the Landscape Protected areas of open lands and islands of mar menor, a vital wetland known for its ecological importance.
Impact of the Fire
The wildfire scorched approximately 3 hectares of forest terrain within the Torre del Rame protected zone, located in the municipality of cartagena, about 70 kilometers from Torrevieja.
| Location | Area Burned | Fire Start Time | Distance from Torrevieja |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Marina del carmolí (Torre del Rame) | 3 hectares | Late afternoon, reported around 18:00 | Approx. 70 km |
Emergency Response Efforts
The local firefighter teams from Cartagena and the Murcia Regional Fire and Rescue Consortium mobilized rapidly after 112 emergency received around 100 calls reporting the blaze shortly after 6 p.m. They were supported by:
- Three helicopters from the General Directorate of Citizen security and emergencies.
- One surveillance and control helicopter (ACOVI).
- Three forestry brigades accompanied by environmental agents.
- Local police and Guardia Civil for security and control operations.
Thanks to this coordinated effort, firefighters managed to stabilize the fire by late Thursday afternoon, preventing it from spreading to more extensive forested or urban areas.
What Should Residents Know?
While the fire is under control, the continued strong burnt smell may persist in Torrevieja and surrounding areas for some time.Authorities urge residents to:
- Keep windows closed if the smell is strong.
- Avoid outdoor activities near the affected zones.
- Stay updated with official sources for any changes or warnings.
Protecting Mar Menor’s Natural heritage
The Mar Menor area is an essential protected ecological zone featuring wetlands, open spaces, and small islands.Fires in these areas can have devastating effects on biodiversity and local ecosystems, making rapid response and awareness critical for environmental preservation.
The authorities continue monitoring the situation carefully and urge caution as the fire risk remains elevated in the dry season.More preventive measures are being discussed to avoid future incidents in such sensitive zones.
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