BRAZIL – Large Fire Erupts at Solvent Factory in Greater São Paulo

Emergency crews are battling a major fire that broke out at a solvent factory in Itaquaquecetuba, Greater São Paulo, on Tuesday afternoon (August 4). Firefighters were dispatched after residents reported hearing multiple explosions coming from the industrial site. As of the latest update, no injuries had been confirmed.

The fire occurred at the Quema Química facility on Estrada do Bonsucesso, in the Rio Abaixo neighborhood. The company was evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

Authorities said the site contains 24 solvent storage tanks, each with an estimated capacity of 31 cubic meters. The presence of large quantities of flammable materials has complicated firefighting efforts.

“The fire involves tanks containing volatile products,” the Fire Department said, adding that 18 fire engines were sent to the scene. Crews remain on site as operations continue to extinguish the flames.

Videos shared on social media show intense flames engulfing parts of the facility and a thick column of black smoke rising high above the surrounding area. Some residents also reported seeing explosions near the factory during the incident.

Officials have not yet determined what caused the fire. An investigation is expected to begin once the blaze has been fully extinguished and the area is declared safe. No casualties had been reported at the time of publication, according to the Fire Department.

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