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Caretaker Julián speaks to journalists after the minute's silence

Photo: Rober Solsona/dpa

Amid uncertainty and sadness: After the fire inferno in a residential complex in Valencia, Spain, a now celebrated hero offers the country some comfort.

Caretaker Julián noticed the fire early and ran from apartment door to apartment door to warn residents.

He helped a 72-year-old down the stairs.

With his thick, red winter jacket, he was the center of attention at a moving memorial ceremony in front of the town hall in Valencia on Saturday.

The body of the tenth and final victim was only recovered on Saturday.

The authorities announced on Saturday that there were no longer any missing people.

The city made a building with 131 social apartments available for “the next few months” for the 140 families who lost their homes.

It will probably take longer for the families of the victims, the survivors who lost everything, and the entire country to fully come to terms with the tragedy.

Above all, she is concerned with the question of how safe the tens of thousands of residential complexes that were built in holiday resorts on the Mediterranean during the construction boom of the 2000s are.

And while the doubts are still present, caretaker Julián was cheered and hugged by hundreds.

Politicians praised him, among other things, as a key figure.

The newspaper "El Mundo" and other newspapers had his picture on page one on Sunday, and the state TV station RTVE celebrated "the little, big hero."

Without his selfless efforts, the number of victims would probably be much higher, it was said.

"I was only doing my duty," he said shyly.

The modern residential complex contained around 140 apartments with around 450 residents.

The fire broke out on Thursday around 5 p.m. and within a very short time had engulfed the entire residential complex with two wings.

According to experts, the surprisingly rapid spread of the flames, which was broadcast live on TV, was probably due to flammable parts of the facade insulation.

Strong winds also fanned the fire.

However, various regional chambers of architects rejected the speculation and asked to wait for the results of the investigations.

The judiciary initiated an investigation.

ipp