A dangerous toxic cloud was formed following a fire in a pool chemicals from the swimming pool in Vilanova I La Geltrú. The fire broke out around 02:20 on Saturday May 10 at Clim Waterpool, a company specializing in the cleaning of products for swimming pools.
The affected site, located at 18 Catalan Paisos Rambla Dels in Vilanova I La Geltrú, contained about 70 tonnes of chlorine – a highly toxic substance when it burns.
Catalonia's civil protection has activated its chemical risk plan, Pasteqcat, and has sent emergency alerts to cell phones in the affected areas.
Immediate response and confinement orders
Locking orders have been lifted, but vulnerable people are still advisable to stay inside at the moment. The affected cities were:
- Vilanova I La Geltrú (Barcelona).
- Saint-Pierre de Shores (Barcelona)
- Cubelles (Barcelona)
- Cunit (Tarragona)
- Calafell (Tarragona)
- The Roquettes center
The authorities had asked residents to stay inside, keep the doors and windows closed and not to use air conditioning devices that can filter contaminated outdoor air.
Fire and emergency intervention
Catalonia firefighters report that the fire is now in the stabilization phase, the efforts successfully prevailing its spread to neighboring industrial buildings. Civil protection has confirmed that no injury had been reported so far, because the wind runs the toxic cloud to the sea, minimizing the threat for densely populated areas.
The Vilanova Municipal Council I La Geltrú warned about its social media that the activities of the “Fira Conte Va!” The festival, outdoor sports activities, libraries, the central market and the fish market have been canceled.
Emergency deployment
Sixty firefighters work in the region with teams specializing in chemical risks constantly evaluating the situation.
The medical emergency system (SEM) has sent three units that remain alert. Local police ensure that civilians comply with containment orders.
Coordination between authorities
Civil protection, operating from its coordination center (CECAT), is in continuous contact with the municipal councils and the local police of all the municipalities affected to ensure a coordinated response.
The health authorities advise anyone with symptoms such as eye irritation, breathing difficulties or general discomfort to request immediate medical aid.
Recommendations for the affected population
The authorities highlight the importance of strictly monitoring the official recommendations. It is essential to stay inside until the confinement order is lifted.
In the event that you have to go out due to an inevitable emergency, it is recommended to protect your respiratory tract with appropriate masks and minimize the time you are exposed to the open air.
Stay informed through official channels such as local radio stations, official accounts on social networks of civil protection and affected municipalities.
