A large fire in a chemical company south of Barcelona caused widespread panic on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as a toxic chlorine cloud began to spread, prompting authorities to advise residents of five municipalities to stay indoors. The incident unfolded in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a city located about 50 kilometers from Barcelona, where the fire broke out in the early hours, around 2:30 AM.
The affected facility housed cleaning products for swimming pools, including a significant amount of chlorine. The intense heat and subsequent explosions released a toxic cloud of chlorine gas that spread rapidly across the region. In response, emergency services mobilized firefighters from across Catalonia to control the blaze, which was fueled by approximately 700 tons of chlorine stored in the facility.
As a precaution, local authorities issued a stay-at-home order for more than 160,000 residents spanning five municipalities: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Roquetes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell. Residents were advised to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed, while air conditioning units were also to be turned off to prevent inhalation of the toxic gas. Roads and train stations in the area were closed to limit access and protect public safety.
According to local authorities, there were no injuries reported, but the situation remained precarious as they monitored the composition and toxicity of the chlorine cloud. Fire chief David Borrell explained the challenges faced by firefighters: "Chlorine rarely catches fire, but once it burns, it is particularly difficult to extinguish." He noted that using water could exacerbate the situation, as it would react with the chlorine and increase the size of the toxic cloud.
By 2:00 PM on the same day, authorities lifted the lockdown as the wind direction changed, allowing the toxic cloud to move toward less populated areas. However, Borrell cautioned that the wind could shift again, potentially leading to renewed danger. "If we see that there is new danger, we will announce another lockdown," he stated, emphasizing the ongoing risk posed by the situation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Catalonia's Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, confirmed that the alert level had been reduced but advised caution, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. "We are still monitoring the situation closely," she said, reinforcing the importance of public safety.
Jorge Viñuales Alonso, the owner of the depot, insisted that his facility complied with all necessary regulations and safety measures for storing chlorine. He stated, "I have the required permits for storing chlorine tablets, and my building meets all legal requirements." However, he also acknowledged that the cause of the fire was still under investigation, with a lithium battery being considered as a potential ignition source.
Despite the challenges faced during firefighting efforts, no injuries were reported among the public or emergency responders. However, some firefighters experienced irritation in their eyes and respiratory difficulties due to the chlorine exposure while battling the flames.
The incident has reignited discussions around safety regulations for chemical storage facilities, particularly in densely populated areas like Catalonia, which is home to nearly 200,000 private swimming pools. In recent years, the regional government had imposed temporary bans on refilling pools during drought conditions, highlighting the ongoing debate over water usage and environmental sustainability in Spain.
As the situation stabilized, residents were gradually allowed to resume normal activities, although caution was still advised in the municipalities most affected by the incident. The fire department continues to monitor the area for any potential flare-ups, ensuring that the community remains safe from the lingering effects of the chlorine cloud.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with chemical storage and the importance of emergency preparedness in the face of environmental hazards. As authorities continue to assess the aftermath, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing similar incidents in the future.
