Chemical Blaze in Catalonia Forces 160,000 to Stay Indoors

A major chemical fire in Catalonia prompted a large-scale emergency response on Saturday, with approximately 160,000 residents advised to remain indoors due to a cloud of chlorine-laden smoke drifting through the region.

The fire erupted around 2 a.m. local time at a facility specializing in swimming pool cleaning products in the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, roughly 48 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. A dense toxic plume raised immediate concerns about public safety, triggering the activation of Catalonia’s chemical risk plan, PLASEQCAT.

Emergency alerts were sent directly to mobile phones in five nearby towns, warning residents to shelter in place. “If you are in the affected zone, do not leave your home or your place of work,” Civil Protection officials urged via X, formerly Twitter.

As of Saturday afternoon, firefighters reported that the blaze had entered the stabilization phase. Crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent industrial buildings, averting what could have been a more extensive disaster.

The toxic cloud was largely carried out to sea by prevailing winds, which significantly reduced the threat to densely populated areas. No injuries have been reported, according to Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency.

Vilanova i la Geltrú’s town council announced the cancellation of several public activities, including the “La Fira Conte Va” children’s festival, outdoor sports, library services, and operations at the central and fish markets.

In total, 60 firefighters were dispatched to the site, including units trained in chemical hazards. The Medical Emergency System (SEM) deployed three mobile teams, which remain on standby. Local police continued to enforce confinement orders to keep the public safe.

Civil Protection’s coordination center (CECAT) has maintained constant communication with municipal authorities and local law enforcement to ensure a unified emergency response.

Health officials have advised residents to seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms such as eye irritation, difficulty breathing, or general discomfort.

Photo credit: AFP. All rights reserved.