On Wednesday afternoon, March 26, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the Perfetti confectionery plant located in Lainate, a town near Milan. The incident occurred around 2:00 PM, reportedly starting with an explosion in a warehouse that contained processing waste. Firefighters from Milan and Saronno quickly responded to the scene with nine fire engines, battling the flames and managing to bring the situation under control by approximately 3:00 PM.
The fire produced a tall column of black smoke that was visible from several kilometers away, alarming local residents and prompting the evacuation of three adjacent civilian buildings as a precaution. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although some elderly individuals from nearby buildings experienced mild breathing difficulties due to the smoke.
The Perfetti company, known for its production of popular candies and chewing gum brands such as Brooklyn and Big Babol, issued a statement confirming that the fire occurred in an external area adjacent to the warehouse and was contained without impacting the overall operations of the facility. “The fire was already extinguished and did not involve any persons. The operational status of the plant remains unaffected,” the company noted.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions during the incident, with some stating they heard four to five distinct blasts. This raised concerns about the potential for hazardous materials being involved, leading to the deployment of emergency response units equipped to handle chemical incidents. The regional environmental agency, Arpa, was also called in to assess any possible air or groundwater contamination resulting from the fire.
Perfetti Van Melle, the parent company of the Lainate plant, was founded in 1946 and has grown to become a significant player in the global confectionery market, generating a reported turnover of 2.9 billion euros in 2022. The company operates in over 130 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide.
As the firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, local police and carabinieri cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. The fire's rapid response and containment helped prevent what could have been a more disastrous situation, given the potential for further explosions and the presence of flammable materials.
Despite the initial chaos, the situation was managed effectively, and operations at the Perfetti plant resumed shortly after the fire was controlled. The company expressed its gratitude to the emergency services for their swift action, which prevented injuries and minimized damage.
In the aftermath of the incident, Perfetti reassured stakeholders and the public that the fire was contained to a limited area and did not pose any ongoing threat to the community. The company's history of safety and reliability in its operations remains intact, as it continues to produce beloved confectionery products for consumers around the world.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the effective collaboration between local authorities and businesses in managing crises. As investigations into the cause of the explosion and fire continue, the community remains vigilant and supportive of the efforts to maintain safety standards in local industries.
Local residents expressed relief at the quick response from emergency services, noting that the situation could have escalated significantly if not for the prompt action taken by the firefighters. Many have shared their concerns about safety in industrial areas, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the Perfetti company is expected to cooperate fully with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and implement any necessary safety improvements to prevent future occurrences. The company’s commitment to safety and community well-being will be paramount as they navigate the aftermath of this incident.
In summary, the fire at the Perfetti plant in Lainate was a significant event that highlighted the potential risks associated with industrial operations, but also showcased the effectiveness of emergency response protocols in mitigating harm. With no injuries reported and operations returning to normal, the focus now shifts to understanding the root cause of the explosion and ensuring the continued safety of workers and the surrounding community.
