Else Beekman
A massive fire at a chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra has forced authorities to order a lockdown for the town’s 77,000 residents. Billowing clouds of black smoke rose over the industrial estate and were visible from across the province. The chemical plant fire sparked widespread concern and emergency alerts.
The fire broke out shortly after 1.20 pm on Wednesday at the Plainsur plant in the La Red industrial estate. Emergency services evacuated the site quickly. Two people were treated for minor injuries—one for burns and the other for smoke inhalation.
The Andalusian regional government activated level one of its Emergency Plan. It also sent Civil Protection alerts to mobile phones. Residents were urged to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and wear face masks if outside.
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Firefighters deployed from across the province
Plainsur was founded in 1975. Since 1990, it has operated from its current location. The company stores and distributes chemical products. Its facility covers 11,000 square metres, including 4,500 square metres under roof. It can hold up to 1,000 cubic metres of liquid chemicals and over 5,000 pallets of goods.
Fire crews from Alcalá de Guadaíra, Mairena del Alcor, Mairena del Aljarafe, Utrera, Arahal, Sanlúcar la Mayor, La Rinconada and Seville city were deployed. Local and national police, along with emergency medical teams, were also on the scene.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Authorities have not said how long it might take to extinguish.
No emergency orders in Seville, for now
The fire raised alarm in Seville, just 17 kilometres away. But the city council says the wind is pushing the smoke away from the urban centre. For now, no extra safety measures are planned there.
Even so, the municipal emergency plan is on pre-alert as a precaution.
Officials have asked residents to stay calm and call 112 if needed. A mobile medical unit has been set up near the site as a precaution.
At this stage, only Alcalá residents are required to stay inside. Still, there have been reports of strong chemical smells in Seville. The situation continues to be monitored closely.
Sources: El Español, Junta de Andalucía