On May 10, 2025, a significant emergency unfolded in Catalonia as a fire erupted in a chemical products warehouse in Vilanova i la Geltrú, leading to the confinement of approximately 150,000 residents across five municipalities. The fire, which ignited at 2:20 AM, occurred at the Clim Waterpool facility, located on Rambla dels Països Catalans, and was particularly alarming due to the presence of 70 tons of chlorine stored on-site. This incident resulted in the release of a toxic cloud, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Protecció Civil de Catalunya swiftly issued alerts to residents of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell, instructing them to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and refrain from using air conditioning. The emergency measures were deemed necessary to protect public health from the hazardous fumes generated by the fire. The confinement lasted until shortly after noon, with officials monitoring the situation closely.
Emergency services responded with urgency, deploying around 60 firefighters and 28 land teams to combat the blaze. Their efforts focused on stabilizing the fire and preventing its spread to neighboring facilities. The fire was eventually brought under control after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.
Traffic was heavily impacted, with the C-15 and C-31 highways closed in the vicinity of Vilanova for safety reasons. Additionally, train services on the R2 South line were suspended between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders, further complicating transportation in the area. Local authorities reported receiving over 950 calls to the emergency services related to the incident, highlighting the widespread concern among residents.
As the situation developed, the mayor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Juan Luis Ruiz, was present at the local coordination center to oversee the emergency response. He expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the emergency services and reassured the public that their safety was the top priority. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident, although one individual was treated for mild symptoms.
By midday, as the fire was stabilized, authorities lifted the confinement order, allowing residents to resume normal activities. However, officials continued to advise caution, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues. Núria Parlon, the Minister of Interior and Public Safety, emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and stated, "We can be calm, but we must remain cautious." She also noted that the situation would be monitored closely, with the possibility of re-imposing restrictions if necessary due to changing wind conditions.
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols in chemical storage facilities and the effectiveness of emergency response systems in handling such crises. Experts have called for a review of safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in densely populated areas.
In the aftermath of the fire, local markets and outdoor events were canceled as a precautionary measure, with the city council announcing the suspension of activities such as the Conte Va, Va de Contes fair and the Central Market. The decision aimed to minimize any potential health risks associated with lingering pollutants in the air.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by chemical storage facilities and the importance of preparedness in emergency situations. As the community begins to recover from this incident, discussions about improving safety regulations and emergency protocols are likely to take center stage.
Overall, the quick response from emergency services and effective communication from local authorities played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of this incident. The situation underscores the need for ongoing public awareness and preparedness regarding chemical safety and emergency response in communities across Catalonia.
