Chlorine blaze instigates chemical predicament in Catalonia, Spain; numerous towns imposed with lockdown.
A hazardous and noxious cloud brought about by a fire at a swimming pool chemicals factory sparked lockdowns in multiple towns across Catalonia, Spain. However, the restrictions have been lifted.
The origin of the disaster was traced back to a 2:20 am blaze at Clim Waterpool, a company dealing in pool cleaning chemicals based in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona. The factory site contained approximately 70 tonnes of chlorine, a potent toxic substance when ignited.
Due to the high risk, Catalonia's Civil Protection immediately activated its chemical risk plan, PLASEQCAT, and issued emergency alerts to residents in the impacted areas via mobile phones.
Quick Response and Containment Measures
The lockdown orders were lifted by Saturday afternoon, though residents from sensitive groups were asked to remain indoors temporarily. The affected towns included Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, Calafell, and the centre of Roquetes.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and abstain from using air-conditioning systems that filter contaminated outdoor air. Firefighters from Catalonia have reported that the blaze is now in the stabilization phase, averting the fire's spread to neighboring industrial buildings.
Fortunately, no injuries were documented as the wind directed the toxic cloud towards the sea, minimizing the danger to densely populated areas. Notably, the city council of Vilanova i la Geltrú cancelled various activities at the "La Fira Conte Va" festival, outdoor sports activities, libraries, the central market, and the fish market due to precautionary measures.
In total, 60 firefighters were deployed to the site, accompanied by teams specialized in handling chemical emergencies. The Medical Emergency System (SEM) dispatched three units and remained on standby. Local Police are ensuring compliance with the confinement orders, while Civil Protection coordinated its response continuously through its coordination centre (CECAT).
Health officials have instructed individuals experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, breathing issues, or general discomfort to seek immediate medical assistance.
- Emergency
- Catalonia
- Chemicals
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- The emergency in Catalonia, caused by a fire at a swimming pool chemicals factory, has been linked to the presence of a toxic substance called chlorine.
- In the aftermath of the chemicals factory incident, various activities at the "La Fira Conte Va" festival, outdoor sports activities, libraries, the central market, and the fish market were cancelled due to precautionary measures.
- The fire at Clim Waterpool, a company based in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, has highlighted the importance of environmental science in managing and preventing such accidents.
- Health officials have urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, breathing issues, or general discomfort due to the incident to seek immediate medical assistance.
- The quick response and containment measures taken by firefighters, the Medical Emergency System (SEM), and the Civil Protection have helped minimize the impact of the chemicals factory incident on the health and wellness of residents in affected towns.