A fire broke out at the PCC Rokita chemical plant in Brzeg Dolny, Lower Silesia, early on Sunday, April 20, 2025, producing a thick plume of black smoke visible from miles away. The blaze erupted around 7:40 AM in a storage area where plastic containers filled with organic semi-finished products were kept. Firefighters from the surrounding regions, including Wrocław, were quickly dispatched to the scene, with a total of 15 units from both the State and Volunteer Fire Brigade responding to the emergency.
According to reports, the fire was significant enough to prompt a large-scale response, with dozens of firefighters working diligently to control the situation. By 8:40 AM, the fire was reported to be under control, and approximately one hour later, it was extinguished. However, the firefighting operation continued as emergency crews conducted air quality measurements to assess any potential contamination from the incident.
During the firefighting efforts, two firefighters sustained minor injuries, specifically light burns to their hands and legs. Thankfully, their injuries were not life-threatening, and they received prompt medical assistance on-site. St. kpt. Daniel Lisiecki, a spokesperson for the PSP in Wołów, confirmed the injuries and reassured the public that the affected firefighters were being cared for appropriately.
Local authorities quickly implemented safety measures, including road closures around the plant to ensure the safety of both the emergency responders and nearby residents. The police established a perimeter, restricting access to the area as firefighters worked to mitigate the hazard.
As the situation developed, a specialized chemical group from Wrocław was deployed to the site to further assess the materials involved in the fire. Initial reports indicated that about half of the stored containers were destroyed in the blaze, with around 50 containers burned while an equal number were successfully protected from the flames.
PCC Rokita, a major player in the chemical industry, has been operational for over 75 years and is recognized as one of the largest chemical manufacturers in Poland. It is notably the largest domestic supplier of chlorine for water supply systems and the second-largest producer of chlorobenzene in Europe. The company has a significant presence in various sectors, including plastics, cosmetics, construction, and household chemicals.
The fire raised concerns about the potential risks associated with the chemicals stored at the facility. PCC Rokita is classified as a high-risk plant due to the dangerous substances it handles, including chlorine, hydrogen, and various organic chemicals. These materials can pose health hazards, including toxicity and carcinogenic properties, as well as environmental risks.
In light of the fire, local officials advised residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed to avoid exposure to any harmful smoke or fumes. Fortunately, preliminary assessments indicated that the substances involved in the fire did not pose a direct threat to public health, alleviating some concerns among the community.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire begins, the company and local authorities are focused on ensuring that safety protocols are followed and that such incidents are prevented in the future. The situation at the PCC Rokita plant highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures in facilities that handle hazardous materials.
In summary, the fire at PCC Rokita serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with chemical manufacturing and the critical role of emergency response teams in managing such incidents. The quick actions of the firefighters and emergency responders prevented further damage and ensured the safety of the surrounding community.
