Authorities in Spain have instructed over 160,000 residents near Barcelona to remain indoors following a fire at an industrial warehouse that released a toxic cloud of chlorine. The incident occurred in Vilanova i la Geltrú, just south of Barcelona, early on Saturday morning. According to local firefighters, the blaze involved storage products used for pool cleaning.
“If you’re in an affected area, please stay inside,” Civil Protection Services urged on social media. They recommended keeping windows and doors shut across several local areas ranging from Vilanova la Geltrú to the village of Cava near Tarragona.
Firefighters reported no injuries so far, stating they have deployed multiple units to bring the fire under control. “I’m monitoring the gas plume,” one firefighter noted, alluding to the changes in its toxic levels due to flames.
To prevent public access, local roads and stations near the incident have been closed. Jorge Vinuas Alonso, the warehouse owner, mentioned on a local radio channel that while chlorine is challenging to ignite, it is even more difficult to extinguish once ablaze.
He suggested that a lithium battery could be the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, Mayor Juan Luis Lopez expressed hope on public television that the toxic cloud would start to dissipate soon, allowing for the current safety measures to be lifted.
