Pictures from the scene show people stuck on balconies inside the 14-storey apartment building.
The local emergency services received reports of the fire at around 17:30 local time.
The emergency services are present with large crews. The country writes that at least seven people must be transported for medical treatment. Three of these will be firefighters.
The Spanish newspaper The confidential reports that the flames have also spread to the neighboring building.
El Pais writes that the flames started on the fifth floor, but have spread to the entire building.
Photo: Eduardo Manzana / Zuma Press
Photo: Alberto Saiz / AP
Photo: Alberto Saiz / AP
Photo: Alberto Saiz / AP
In pictures and videos from the building, you can see clear flames and a large cloud of black smoke. According to local media, the plume of smoke can be seen from several kilometers away.
It took half an hour for the flames to spread throughout the building, reports El Pais.
Telecinco writes in his live updates that the ongoing fire is “the most serious in Valencia’s history”.
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– Big, black cloud of smoke
Norwegian Tina Havnen Andersen studies in Valencia. When she was going out, around 6pm on Thursday afternoon, there was a strong smell of smoke in the area.
– When I cycled to the clinic where I work and study, I saw a large, black cloud of smoke, says Havnen Andersen.
She did not see the fire itself, but says that it is very windy in Valencia on Thursday and that the smoke may have spread over large parts of the city.
It is not yet known what started the big fire.
The building that is on fire has 138 residential units, and according to one of the residents, “there are still many people inside who have not been able to get out”, reports the local newspaper Super Sport.
Fire crews are trying to control the flames and rescue neighbors from the balconies, to which the flames have spread, according to Super Deporte.
At the same time, the Emergency Information and Coordination Center in Valencia has installed a field hospital next to the apartment complex.
Photo: Alberto Saiz / AP
Telecinco writes that two people must have been taken out from the sixth floor using a crane and ladder.
Some residents are also moving between apartments to try to get away from the fire.
Levante EMV writes that other residents near the building are advised to leave their homes.
– Terrified
The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, writes on X that he is “appalled” by the big fire in Valencia.
– I just spoke to the president and the mayor to get first-hand information about the situation. We will also offer all the help that is necessary.
At the same time, he uses the opportunity to convey consideration and solidarity with those affected by the fire.
– I want to convey my solidarity to all those affected and recognition to all emergency personnel who have already been deployed on site.
Pedro Sanchez
Prime Minister of Spain
Asking residents to stay away
Through social media, the local fire service has asked spectators not to approach the scene of the fire and the surrounding areas, “as it can be dangerous and to facilitate the work of the emergency services”.
The mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, has assured that the city council is “very aware of the development of the Campanar fire”, and has asked the city’s residents not to approach the fire area.
– We ask residents in other areas of the city not to approach the fire, to facilitate the work of the mobilized emergency teams, she writes on X.
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2024-02-22 18:58:24
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