On Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the port of Sada, specifically in a warehouse belonging to the company Profand, known for its expertise in handling cephalopods. The emergency services received the first alert at approximately 18:05, prompting a swift response from local firefighters and emergency teams.
The blaze erupted in a facility located on Avenida del Puerto, directly in front of the local fish market. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the building, alarming residents and passersby throughout the municipality. By 18:10, multiple fire trucks and emergency personnel from various locations, including Betanzos, Arteixo, and Oleiros, were dispatched to the scene to combat the growing flames.
According to reports from Portos de Galicia, the fire was primarily fueled by the presence of numerous boxes made from materials such as porexpan and plastic, which are highly flammable. This contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze, leading to the collapse of the warehouse's roof and walls. Fortunately, at the time of the incident, the warehouse was empty, as all operations had ceased around 14:00, and no workers were present inside. Consequently, there were no injuries reported.
Profand, which has its main operations based in Cambre, confirmed that the affected facility is used solely for cleaning port boxes and bins, and it did not house any merchandise or active production. The company's spokesperson stated, "There are no personal injuries, and the fire is under control," emphasizing that they are conducting an internal investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The Sada City Council has been proactive in communicating with the public, assuring residents that they will keep them informed through official channels. Local authorities have urged the community to avoid the port area while firefighting efforts are ongoing. As the situation developed, access to the port was closed around 19:30 as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
By the evening, the fire was reported to be under control, although it was anticipated that complete extinguishment would not occur until close to midnight. Firefighters were engaged in cooling and monitoring the site to prevent any potential re-ignition of the flames. The incident has raised concerns about possible environmental impacts, although assessments are still pending.
Images captured from various vantage points around Sada showcased the dramatic scene, with plumes of smoke visible for miles. Residents expressed their concern and anxiety as the smoke engulfed the sky, prompting emergency alerts and responses from multiple agencies, including the Civil Guard and Civil Protection.
In the wake of the fire, Profand has reiterated its commitment to safety and transparency, stating, "We are thoroughly investigating the causes of the fire, but it is too early to determine what happened." The company, which recently announced its status as the leading entity in the Spanish fishing industry by turnover, reaching 1,009 million euros—a remarkable 8% increase from the previous year—has faced a significant setback due to this incident.
As the community of Sada grapples with the aftermath of the fire, local officials and emergency services have been praised for their rapid response and coordination. The town's mayor expressed gratitude to all involved, stating, "We want to extend our sincere thanks to all emergency services for their tireless work, coordination, and professionalism. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our citizens informed through our official channels."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with industrial facilities and the importance of preparedness in emergency situations. As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution and the safety of all its residents.
