A large fire broke out at the Tabone plastics company in Caxias do Sul on April 22, 2025, causing significant destruction and prompting a swift response from emergency services. The incident began around 2:30 PM on Rua Evaristo de Antoni in the São José neighborhood, where the company specializes in furniture components.
According to local authorities, the fire ignited in the back of an operating machine. Employees reported that an internal brigade attempted to control the flames before the complete evacuation of the building. However, their efforts were insufficient, and an explosion occurred, which intensified the blaze and allowed it to spread rapidly throughout the pavilion.
The Caxias do Sul Fire Department responded with four fire trucks and approximately 20 firefighters, who battled the flames for about five hours. The intense black smoke generated by the fire was visible from various neighborhoods, raising concerns among local residents.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, as all employees managed to evacuate safely. The quick actions of the internal brigade and emergency responders were crucial in preventing any casualties. Traffic on Rua Evaristo de Antoni was completely blocked to facilitate the work of the fire crews, and authorities advised residents to avoid the area due to the dense smoke.
In a statement released by Tabone, the company confirmed the incident, stating, "On this date, a fire was registered in our Unit 2 – Metallization. The Fire Department of the city of Caxias do Sul is still working on site, with the support of our team, for the total control of the flames. There were no victims or injuries, and all those present were evacuated safely. We appreciate the solidarity received and reaffirm our commitment to transparency and responsibility."
As the fire was brought under control around 11 AM, firefighters began the process of cooling down the structure to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby businesses. The presence of highly flammable materials, such as plastics and polymers, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, making the situation particularly challenging for the firefighters.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety regulations in industries dealing with flammable materials, especially in densely populated urban areas. Community members expressed their concerns about the potential environmental impact of the fire, given the toxic gases released during the combustion of plastics.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting that it may have been triggered by a short circuit in a paint booth. The Fire Department will conduct a thorough analysis, and the Municipal Environment Secretary has been called to assess the environmental impacts of the incident.
In the aftermath of the fire, the economic ramifications are significant. The pavilion, measuring approximately 2,000 square meters, housed large quantities of recyclable plastics and raw materials for production. Initial estimates suggest that the losses could exceed 5 million reais, considering the damage to equipment, materials, and the building itself.
The disruption of operations at Tabone will have a ripple effect on the local economy, as the company supplied components to various other industries in the region. Workers are facing uncertainty regarding their employment status, with no official announcements about layoffs yet, but the temporary suspension of production is likely to impact many families.
Community representatives, including union leaders, have voiced their concerns and are urging local authorities to provide support for affected employees. The Caxias do Sul city government has pledged to monitor the situation closely and offer assistance for the recovery of the company.
As the investigation continues, the fire at Tabone serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in industrial settings. The existence of an updated Fire Prevention and Control Plan (PPCI) played a crucial role in the emergency response, allowing firefighters to act swiftly and effectively.
However, experts argue that regular audits and maintenance of equipment, along with comprehensive training for employees, are essential to further reduce the risk of such incidents. The need for safe storage practices for flammable materials and the implementation of environmental monitoring systems are also being discussed as ways to enhance safety protocols.
Caxias do Sul has a history of industrial fires, particularly in factories handling plastics and recycling materials. Previous incidents, such as the 2017 fire at Marcopolo's plastics unit, have highlighted the challenges faced by the city in managing industrial risks. The recurrence of such events underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance and improvement in safety standards.
In light of the recent fire, local associations are planning meetings with city officials to discuss industrial safety in the São José area. Environmentalists are also advocating for measures to mitigate pollution caused by the burning of plastics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to industrial safety and environmental protection.
As the community rallies to address these concerns, the focus will remain on ensuring that safety measures are strengthened to prevent future tragedies. The incident at Tabone is not just a wake-up call for the company, but for the entire region, as it navigates the complexities of industrial growth and safety in an urban environment.
