It will take about 20 years for the Saler de Valencia to recover from one of the worst fires in its history

The fire that engulfed El Saler, a protected natural area near Valencia, has left authorities estimating that recovery could take up to two decades. The blaze, which broke out on Thursday afternoon, destroyed approximately 36 hectares of vegetation, marking one of the worst wildfires in the region’s history. This follows the 1986 incident, considered the largest such disaster in the area, which affected around 40 hectares. The destruction has raised concerns among environmental experts and local opposition groups, who have criticized the city's approach to wildfire prevention. The fire began in the late afternoon of Thursday, quickly spreading through the dense Mediterranean forest that characterizes El Saler. Located just eight kilometers from the heart of Valencia, the site is known for its unique ecosystem, including coastal dunes and a rich undergrowth of pines, junipers, and palm trees. Its location between the Albufera wetlands and the coastline makes it a vital green lung for the city. Over the past few decades, repeated fires have threatened this fragile environment, but the latest incident appears to have been deliberately set, according to ongoing investigations. Authorities confirmed that the fire was suspected to be arson, though no arrests have yet been made. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the flames were spotted, and a large-scale response was launched. Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain the spread, with officials describing the situation as particularly challenging due to the terrain and weather conditions. Evacuations remained in place into Friday morning, as residents in nearby areas were advised to stay away from the zone. Eduardo Rojas, a forestry engineer and professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València, estimated that the area will require roughly two decades to fully recover. His assessment is based on the resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems, which typically take time to regenerate after severe disturbances. However, he noted that the scale of the current fire, combined with previous damage, could significantly delay the process. The loss of 36 hectares, nearly half of the total area burned in the 1986 incident, has prompted calls for more stringent measures to prevent future disasters. Local opposition parties, including those from the Popular Party (PP) and Vox, have questioned the government’s strategy for managing wildfires in the region. They argue that insufficient investment in preventive efforts, such as controlled burns and improved monitoring systems, has contributed to the frequency and severity of such incidents. While the municipality maintains that it has taken steps to enhance preparedness, critics insist that these actions have not been enough to protect the area from recurring devastation. Environmental organizations have expressed alarm over the long-term implications of the fire. They highlight the importance of El Saler not only as a habitat for native flora and fauna but also as a critical buffer against urban expansion and climate-related threats. The loss of so much vegetation threatens biodiversity and could exacerbate soil erosion along the coast. Experts warn that without sustained conservation efforts, the ecological balance of the region may continue to deteriorate. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, authorities are preparing for the long road ahead. Replanting efforts are already being discussed, though they will likely begin once the area is deemed safe and stable. In the meantime, the community faces the challenge of coping with both the immediate aftermath and the broader consequences of a disaster that has shaken the region’s environmental policies. For now, the focus remains on containment and safety, with hopes that lessons learned will lead to meaningful change in how such crises are managed in the future.