The fire in Valencia started at five o’clock in the afternoon and quickly spread to all 15 floors of the affected apartment building. At least four people died, but the authorities fear that the number could rise as several residents could not be reached.
At the time, Swedish Gabriella Ångevi had got on her bicycle to go to a dance lesson in the same area.
– My salsa lesson was almost on the same street, so I turned a corner and saw the whole building in flames. There was a lot of smoke in the air. My clothes smelled of smoke when I got home later, she says.
“The whole city united”
Gabriella works as a language teacher and has lived in Valencia for four years. Some time ago, she lived just a few streets away from the affected house and several of her friends still live in the area.
– Even though I don’t know anyone who was affected, it is shocking to see. One thinks of how many families there are that have lost everything.
A day after the fire, Gabriella describes the mood in Valencia as gloomy, but also as united. In social media, several initiatives have been started to help those affected.
– In any case, it feels good that the whole city has really come together. There are various places where you can donate clothes and help to these families.
Many questions about fire safety
In the wake of the fire, a discussion about fire protection has gained momentum in Spain. According to experts, the material in the house’s facade, polyurethane, may have strongly contributed to the rapid spread.
Gabriella says that she herself previously reflected on fire safety in the city.
– I have always felt that it was a bit like that. The rules are not that strict, she says.