A significant fire broke out early Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, at approximately 2:20 AM at an industrial facility belonging to Cleanwater Pool, located at Rambla dels Països Catalans, 18, in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona. The blaze led to the release of a toxic chlorine cloud, prompting urgent safety measures that affected approximately 160,000 residents across five municipalities.
The incident triggered the activation of the Emergency Plan for the Chemical Sector of Catalonia (PLASEQCAT), entering emergency phase category 2. The affected municipalities include Vilanova i la Geltrú, Cubelles, Roquetes (part of Sant Pere de Ribes), Cunit, and Calafell. As a precaution, residents were confined to their homes starting at 5:30 AM, following alerts sent via mobile messages from Civil Protection.
According to local officials, the fire involved the combustion of about 70 tons of chlorine stored at the Cleanwater Pool facility, which specializes in swimming pool maintenance. The firefighters, comprising 60 personnel and 28 land units, including specialized chemical risk teams, worked diligently to stabilize the situation and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby industrial buildings.
By 11:00 AM, the Bombers de la Generalitat reported that the fire was in a stabilization phase, but it had not yet been fully extinguished. The direction of the wind was pushing the toxic cloud toward the sea, which reduced the immediate risk to densely populated areas. However, authorities cautioned that any sudden change in weather conditions could worsen the situation.
Juan Luis Ruiz, the mayor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, described the smoke as “dense” and noted that it was “visible at low altitudes, with a strong chlorine smell that irritates the eyes.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and quickly extinguishing the fire. Residents were advised to wear masks if they needed to leave their homes for any reason.
In addition to the confinement, significant disruptions to transportation were reported. Roads C-31 and C-15 were closed in various sections to facilitate emergency response efforts. Train services on the R2 South line and regional Rodalies lines were suspended between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders, with no alternative bus services available. Scheduled activities, including the municipal market of Vilanova i la Geltrú and performances at the Be Live Festival, were canceled.
As the emergency unfolded, local authorities urged the public to remain calm and follow official guidance. Rosa Maria Fonoll, the mayor of Cubelles, and Anna Herrera, the mayor of Sant Pere de Ribes, both called for tranquility, while the Emergency Medical System (SEM) remained on alert with three units deployed in the area. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported so far.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Jorge Viñuales, the owner of Cleanwater Pool, suggested that a lithium battery might have ignited the blaze, although this theory has yet to be confirmed by firefighters. He stated that the company adhered to all fire safety regulations and that no personnel were present in the facility at the time of the incident.
Núria Parlon, the consellera of Interior for the Generalitat, confirmed that there were no casualties and reiterated the importance of maintaining confinement until the situation was declared safe. The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, has been kept informed and is in contact with local authorities.
As the situation developed, Imma Solé, the subdirector of Civil Protection, indicated that the emergency response teams were closely monitoring the toxic cloud's movement and its impact on air quality. She noted that the confinement measures would be lifted only once it was deemed safe to do so, with no timeline currently established for when that might happen.
By around 12:20 PM, the confinement orders were lifted in Cunit, Calafell, and Cubelles, as well as in Vilanova i la Geltrú and Roquetes. However, residents in Vilanova and Roquetes were still advised to exercise caution, particularly vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with respiratory issues. They were encouraged to limit their time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities.
As of now, the emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that any necessary precautions remain in place while the fire is fully extinguished. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety and the potential hazards associated with the storage of chemicals in urban areas.
This alarming event highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response in dealing with industrial emergencies, as officials work to ensure the safety of the affected communities and prevent future incidents of this nature.
