Xàbia Declares Official Mourning After Fatal Fire in Arenal
Two lives lost, dozens evacuated, and a family rescued in urgent emergency response.
At approximately 4.00 pm on Thursday 12th February, a fire broke out in a residential building in the Arenal area of Xàbia.
Officers from the Local Police were first to arrive at the scene. In an urgent and complex operation, they used a nearby lift platform to reach an apartment and rescue a family trapped inside the building. Thanks to their swift intervention, the family was safely evacuated. Both the rescued family members and the officer involved in the operation required on-site medical assistance and oxygen treatment.
Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of two people. Several others were treated for smoke inhalation, one of them in very serious condition. As a precaution, the building was fully evacuated, affecting approximately 40 residents.
Mayor Rosa Cardona, and the councillor responsible for Emergency Services, Juan Ortolá (CpJ), attended the scene to assist with coordinating emergency efforts and the relocation of evacuees to local hotels and to relatives’ homes.
Today, Friday 13th February, once the Civil Guard, firefighters and technical architects are able to access the building to conduct the necessary inspections and structural assessments, a decision will be made regarding the condition of the property and when residents may be permitted to return. Further updates will be provided as official information becomes available.
Xàbia Town Hall has declared official mourning for Friday 13th February by mayoral decree. Flags on all municipal buildings will fly at half-mast throughout the day as a sign of respect for the victims.
