On Monday morning, a dangerous fire broke out in the Miguel Hernández district of Alicante, engulfing a residential building on Pavía Street. Strong winds and the specific roof construction hampered firefighting efforts, forcing emergency services to evacuate dozens of people. Although no fatalities were reported, six residents required medical assistance due to smoke inhalation. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control, but the damage is significant.
Evacuation of dozens of people
Due to the rapid spread of fire and heavy smoke, firefighters had to evacuate residents of the entire social housing block on Pavía Street.
Six people injured
Four men and two women of older age were treated by medical services after inhaling smoke from burning wood.
Problematic roof construction
The presence of wood and reed in the roof structure and gusty winds significantly hindered the fire brigade's efforts to control the blaze.
Revitalization in progress
The fire broke out during the recently initiated district rehabilitation by the Generalitat Valenciana, shedding new light on the technical condition of the buildings.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, around 7:30 AM, dramatic events unfolded in the Miguel Hernández district of Alicante. The fire appeared in one of the apartments on Pavía Street and quickly spread to the upper floors. The main reasons for such rapid escalation were very strong winds and the roof construction made of wood and reed. Emergency services made an immediate decision to evacuate the entire building and surrounding structures, affecting several dozen people. Firefighters emphasized that the flames reached spectacular heights, causing terror among local residents. Paramedics provided assistance to six individuals aged 41 to 73. Among the victims were four men and two women, who were diagnosed with symptoms of inhaling toxic smoke. Fortunately, no one sustained life-threatening injuries. This district, formerly known as the José Antonio estate, is currently the subject of a large-scale revitalization plan led by the Generalitat Valenciana. This investment aims to modernize the neglected social infrastructure, which has struggled with exclusion issues for decades. The Miguel Hernández district in Alicante is a relic of post-war urban planning, originally conceived as a social housing estate. Over the years, this area has degraded, becoming an enclave of neglect in the heart of a developing, modern metropolis. Preliminary findings indicate that the direct cause of the fire ignition may have been a faulty electric heater. This incident has reignited debate over the pace of modernization works in the poorest parts of the city. Local authorities have announced detailed technical inspections of the surviving units to ensure residents can safely return to their homes. Additionally, affected families have been offered temporary accommodation, as many apartments are currently uninhabitable due to damage caused by the fire and water used during firefighting operations.