On Saturday, May 10, 2025, over 150,000 residents in five municipalities in the Garraf and Baix Penedès regions of Catalonia were confined for more than seven hours due to a toxic cloud resulting from a fire at a chemical products warehouse in Vilanova i la Geltrú. The incident, which began in the early hours of the morning, led to significant disruptions and public safety measures as firefighters battled the flames and monitored hazardous conditions.
The fire ignited shortly after 2:00 AM at Cleanwater Pool, a company that distributes swimming pool maintenance products and stored approximately seventy tons of chlorine tablets. This created a massive plume of toxic smoke containing hydrochloric acid particles, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Civil Protection activated the PLASEQCAT (Emergency Plan for the Chemical Sector of Catalonia) in its emergency phase, indicating the severity of the situation.
As the fire raged, an alert was sent to mobile phones at 4:30 AM urging residents in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Roquetes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid using air conditioning systems. The confinement lasted until approximately 1:00 PM, during which time residents were unable to leave their homes, and all scheduled activities were canceled.
According to the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Sistema de Emergencias Médicas (SEM) treated three individuals for minor injuries related to the incident, with only two requiring further medical attention. One was discharged on-site, while the other was taken to the Sant Antoni Abat primary care center in Vilanova.
Firefighters faced significant challenges in extinguishing the blaze. David Borrell, the chief of firefighters, noted that each time water was applied to the flames, it created a chemical reaction that intensified the toxic cloud. "We've had difficulties finding this balance, preventing the fire from spreading while also avoiding a larger toxic plume," Borrell explained.
By midday, the fire was reported to be stabilized, with no active flames and a focus on removing the burned chlorine tablets and other debris. Joan Josep Bellostes, the intervention chief, expressed optimism that the fire would be fully extinguished later that evening. He reassured the public that air quality tests indicated no remaining traces of chlorine in the vicinity.
Despite the lifting of the confinement in most areas, authorities continued to advise vulnerable populations, including those with respiratory issues and young children, to limit their time outdoors. Outdoor sports activities were also discouraged, and a 500-meter exclusion zone around the affected warehouse remained in place as a precaution.
The owner of Cleanwater Pool, Jorge Viñuales, lamented the destruction of his warehouse, describing it as a "total loss." He confirmed that all necessary permits were in place and expressed gratitude to the firefighters for their efforts in preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring properties. "It's a difficult situation for us, especially at such a crucial time in the season," he stated.
Throughout the incident, the emergency services received a high volume of calls, with approximately 950 reports related to the fire by 10:00 AM. Local authorities urged the public to refrain from unnecessary travel in the affected areas, while train services were disrupted, with R2 Sud trains not stopping between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders.
As the situation progressed, the mayor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Juan Luis Ruiz, emphasized the importance of public safety and the necessity of the confinement measures. He stated, "We are facing a dynamic deconfinement and need to assess how the situation evolves throughout the day."
By the afternoon, the focus shifted to the careful removal of hazardous materials from the site. Firefighters continued to monitor the area, ensuring that no further safety risks were present for the local population. The situation transitioned from an emergency phase to a more stable alert phase, allowing for a gradual return to normalcy.
In the aftermath of the incident, residents expressed relief as they resumed their daily activities, albeit with lingering concerns about air quality and safety. Some reported feeling anxious during the confinement, while others noted that they were unaware of the alerts due to their mobile devices being silenced.
As cleanup efforts continue and investigations into the cause of the fire begin, local officials are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with chemical storage and the importance of swift emergency response measures.
