No 1076 Monday 19th - Sunday 25th May 2025
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The Costa Blanca’s oldest ‘FREE’ English language newspaper - WITH THE LARGEST LOCAL CIRCULATION
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LAS RAMBLAS FIRE FUELS RESIDENT’S DEMANDS
ast weekend’s fire at Las Ramblas Golf has reignited long-standing concerns among Orihuela Costa residents, who argue that the incident is yet another example of municipal neglect in the area. The blaze, which damaged several homes and led to the evacuation of around 50 people, could have been prevented, they say, if the adjacent ravine had been properly cleared of undergrowth — a request they have made repeatedly to the local council. The fire, which broke out on Sunday, scorched roughly three hectares of land and caused significant damage to the facades and terraces of five properties. It follows a string of similar fires in recent years, including a 2023 blaze that consumed 12 hectares between Campoamor and Las Ramblas golf courses, and another near the Rio Nacimiento ravine just last year. Residents had previously flagged the issue of fire risk to Councillor Manuel Mestre during a District Council meeting. Mestre had asked for a formal complaint in writing — a process that has now been fast-tracked following the most recent fire. The petition is being submitted to the Department of Coastal Affairs, with copies also being sent to the mayor’s office, and the departments of Infrastructure and the Environment. While the land technically falls under the jurisdiction of the Segura River Hydrographic Confederation (CHS), maintenance of these ravines within urban zones is the responsibility of the local council. Although authorities have not ruled out natural causes — such as a discarded cigarette — some residents and environmental activists have voiced darker suspicions. There is growing concern that the fire may have been intentionally started to facilitate future development.
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