On February 12th, a severe fire broke out in the Jávea Park urbanization, in the El Arenal area of Xàbia. The fire, described as having "extreme aggressiveness and spread," generated dense toxic smoke that rapidly invaded the building, blocking escape routes. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of two residents: Arantza, 70, the owner of the apartment where the fire started, and Gerson, 42, who died from asphyxiation while trying to rescue other residents. A total of about 40 residents had to be evacuated.
The first to arrive were local police officers Antonio Soler and Elena Torres. Faced with chaos and mortal danger, Officer Soler used a painter's lift to access the fourth floor. Guided by the cries of those trapped and without self-contained breathing apparatus, he entered the building and located a family of five, including two minors, who were suffocating on the floor. He managed to guide them and get them to safety. Meanwhile, Officer Torres climbed the stairs, reached a terrace, and assisted several trapped residents.
Subsequently, six more officers arrived and proceeded with the "in extremis" evacuation of the rest of the building, securing the perimeter and coordinating emergency services. Numerous residents suffered anxiety attacks and required treatment for smoke inhalation. The joint action was crucial in preventing a greater tragedy.
The Xàbia council has urged the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response to grant the Cross of Police Merit with a red distinction to officers Antonio Soler and Elena Torres. They also propose the Cross of Police Merit with a blue distinction for officers Mariano Armero, Antonio Sánchez, Alejandro Javega, Jorge Ortega, Carlos Javier Medivil, and José Manuel Martín.
In a previous session, the city council had already approved posthumously awarding the town's gold medal to Gerson Andrés Rincón Murillo, the resident who died trying to rescue other residents.
