The 22nd of February 2024 will live long in the memory of everyone in Valencia. In the late afternoon a fire broke out on the fourth floor in the Campanar neighbourhood in the north of the city. Within a matter of minutes flames had engulfed the entire building which rapidly spread to the adjacent apartment complex. As the fires roared, smoke could be seen for many miles across the city and beyond.
Tragically many have lost their lives. The death toll stands at 9 with another 1 still declared missing. Emergency services have also confirmed 14 injuries including 6 firefighters who so bravely rescued many who were stranded on their balconies. Reports state that many domesticated animals also died in the blaze. The two buildings which housed 138 flats were home to 450 residents.
High winds and the cladding which covered both buildings are being blamed for the disaster. The building, which was finished in 2008, was covered in aluminum panels. These have subsequently been banned but tragically nothing was done to retrospectively remove them. Experts have suggested that the polyurethane material is highly flammable. The windy conditions also no doubt played a part as gusts of up to 40 miles an hour spread the flames across the building as well as the one which had once stood beside it.
Events postponed across Valencia
With the city in mourning, events have been postponed as a mark of respect to those who sadly lost their lives. A minute’s silence was held at 12 noon in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento this Saturday to honor the victims. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has visited the scene promising resources and assistance to all the victims. Across the city, local residents have been pulling together, doing everything they can to aid and assist.
Ways to help
If you are able to contribute aid or donations the council has set up an email at ayudasincendio@valencia.es. In addition to this; Valientes school on Calle Luis Buñuel and Jose Maria Escriva de Balagueris church are collecting clothing, blankets and food for the affected residents.
If you have further information on ways to help please contact us directly and we shall update this article. Discussions on the ramifications of the disaster must start in earnest to ensure such a tragedy does not happen ever again. For now, like everyone in Valencia and across Spain, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their lives, loved ones and their homes in such harrowing circumstances.
