A significant fire erupted at Gandia Port on Saturday afternoon, leading to extensive emergency response measures and the confinement of nearby residents due to safety concerns. The incident, which began at around 6:00 PM local time, was triggered by the explosion of batteries housed within solar panel facilities located inside the port. The ensuing blaze prompted immediate intervention from multiple firefighting units.
According to local reports, five fire brigades from Gandia, Oliva, Cullera, and Alzira worked tirelessly to combat the flames, which posed numerous hazards due to the flammable materials stored on-site, particularly adjacent storage units containing large amounts of paper rolls. This combination of factors created significant concerns for authorities, especially with the wind changing direction, causing smoke to drift toward residential areas including Grau, Marenys, and Venècia.
Local officials quickly ordered the brief confinement of residents in these neighborhoods as smoke was considered to pose potential health risks. Advisories recommended residents keep windows and doors closed and remain indoors until new instructions were issued. Relief came with the confirmation of precautions taken by local health officials, though the situation necessitated vigilance.
Compounding the severity of the situation, initial firefighting efforts were hindered by the explosion of the solar batteries during the extinguishing operations. One firefighter, aged 46, sustained injuries to his arm during the brave efforts to manage the incident; thankfully, he was treated at the scene and released shortly thereafter.
The aftermath of the fire also underscored structural vulnerabilities and safety protocols for emergency situations involving industrial hazards, particularly where renewable energy technologies like solar panels are concerned. Fire department sources stated the automatic sprinkler systems were activated when the fire broke out but failed to contain the incident effectively, leading to the deployment of larger fire response units.
While the fire was brought under control by approximately 10:30 PM, the potential environmental risks of burning solar batteries – which may release toxic chemicals – drew attention from experts, highlighting the broader discourse around safety and sustainability related to renewable energy infrastructure.
José Manuel Prieto, the mayor of Gandia, expressed dedication to ensuring the safety practices are reviewed and strengthened following the incident. He remarked on the necessity of having proper contingency plans and the importance of having rigorous safety standards for equipment and facilities, particularly those hosting potentially dangerous materials.
This incident at Gandia Port serves as both a reminder of the inherent risks associated with industrial fire hazards and the dire need for proactive safety measures surrounding the operations of solar energy equipment, especially as reliance on such technologies expands.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and it is anticipated more updates will follow as the investigation concerning the cause of the fire and the subsequent response efforts are evaluated. The focus remains on preventing future occurrences and safeguarding the health of the local community.