On Saturday, May 10, 2025, an order was lifted that had confined approximately 160,000 people in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region following a fire that generated a toxic cloud of chlorine. The fire, which erupted at around 2:20 a.m. local time at a swimming pool cleaning products factory in Vilanova i la Geltrú, was reported as "STABILIZED" by Catalonia's fire services later that day.
Located 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Barcelona, the factory, Clim Waterpool, held about 70 tonnes of chlorine, a highly toxic substance when it burns. Authorities had initially placed six towns under lockdown as a precautionary measure to protect residents from the hazardous conditions. The affected towns included Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, Calafell, and the center of Roquetes.
In response to the emergency, Catalonia's Civil Protection activated its chemical risk plan, PLASEQCAT, and sent out alerts to residents' mobile phones in the affected areas. Residents were advised to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and refrain from using air-conditioning devices that could draw in contaminated outdoor air.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the fire service confirmed that the blaze had not affected adjacent warehouses. The fire service deployed a significant number of units—60 firefighters were on the scene, including teams specialized in chemical risks, to monitor the situation. Vilanova mayor Juan Luis Ruiz Lopez indicated that the emergency measure would be lifted once the "toxic cloud" began to dissipate.
As the fire was brought under control and the situation stabilized, lockdown orders were lifted by Saturday afternoon. However, health authorities continued to advise vulnerable groups to remain indoors as a precaution. The Medical Emergency System (SEM) dispatched three units that remained on alert, ready to assist anyone experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, breathing difficulties, or general discomfort.
Local authorities canceled various public activities, including those at the "La Fira Conte Va" festival, outdoor sports events, and operations at libraries and markets to ensure public safety during this crisis.
In a statement, warehouse owner Jorge Vinuales Alonso suggested that a lithium battery might have sparked the fire, emphasizing the challenges of extinguishing chlorine fires. "It is very difficult for chlorine to catch fire, but when it does, it is very hard to put it out," he explained during an interview with the radio station Rac1.
The swift response from emergency services and the coordination between local police and Civil Protection were crucial in managing the situation. Civil Protection operated from its coordination center (CECAT), maintaining continuous contact with town councils and local police to ensure a unified approach to the emergency.
As the toxic cloud drifted toward the sea, the threat to densely populated areas was minimized, allowing for a more rapid return to normalcy. The fire service's ongoing monitoring and assessment of the situation were key in ensuring that the public remained safe.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with industrial chemicals and the importance of emergency preparedness and community response in managing such crises. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and heed the advice of local authorities during emergencies.
In the wake of the fire, the local government is expected to review safety protocols for chemical handling and storage to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community's resilience and the effectiveness of the emergency response have been praised, marking a significant achievement in public safety management.
As the region returns to normalcy, authorities will continue to monitor the aftermath of the fire and assess any long-term impacts on the community and environment. The collaboration among various emergency services and local government bodies has highlighted the importance of preparedness in the face of unexpected disasters.
