The suspected cause of the forest fire that ravaged 185 hectares between Ibi and Alcoy in mid-July is a 43-year-old male. Of this area, 147 are situated within the Font Roja Natural Park, an area of significant ecological value.
Sources from the investigation have said that this individual was on the rural property operated by the Cenacle religious community in the San Pascual de Ibi area. Seprona agents of the Guardia Civil and environmental officers from the Generalitat Valenciana have discovered plant debris, remains of poorly extinguished fires, and dumped ashes “without any type of control or fire protection barrier.”
On Friday, July 18th, an extreme emergency level was declared as a result of the potential for forest fires. In response to the rapid spread of the flames on a day marked by strong westerly winds and low relative humidity, a dozen aerial resources, as well as over 100 firefighters and forestry brigades and a division of 88 members of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), were deployed for a period of several days.
The individual is accused of committing a reckless forest fire that affected areas of high environmental value, such as the Font Roja Natural Park and the Sant Pascual-Torretes Municipal Park, which are both part of the Natura 2000 Network as Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs).
The fire, which originated at approximately 1:00 p.m., was initially suspected to have originated on the pastoral property in the Cenacle, which was situated in close proximity to the forest. The fire was caused by the spillage of still-hot ash that had been deposited days prior. On the morning of July 19th, a second joint inspection conducted by the Seprona (National Police) and agents from the Generalitat (Catalan Government) determined that the ash ignited upon contact with desiccated plant material.
The Guardia Civil has recalled that the conduct is classified in article 352 of the Penal Code, which includes prison sentences and high financial penalties for those who, through gross negligence, cause forest fires that affect protected areas or endanger human lives or property. The investigation led to a man who is believed to have negligently dumped the remains.
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