Catalonia declares state of emergency due to chlorine warehouse fire VIDEO

A state of emergency has been declared in five districts of Catalonia after a fire broke out at a warehouse storing 70 tonnes of chlorine for swimming pools. 

The blaze erupted around 2:20 a.m. local time at the Clim Waterpool warehouse, prompting a major emergency response, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have taken swift action to protect residents. Catalan Civil Protection issued emergency alerts to mobile phones in the towns of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, and Cubelles in the province of Barcelona, as well as Cunit and Calafell in Tarragona. Residents in Roquetes were specifically instructed to stay indoors, seal windows and doors, and avoid using air conditioning to prevent toxic exposure. 

#ESPAÑA

CONFINAMIENTO POR NUBE TÓXICA

Varios municipios confinados en #Barcelona y #Tarragona por incendio en fábrica de productos químicos en Vilanova i la Geltrú.

Protección Civil pide a residentes de Vilanova, Roquetes, Cubelles, Cunit y Calafell que no salgan de sus casas. pic.twitter.com/E9zuyQ7YnL

— 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙮 (@Mario_Moray) May 10, 2025

While no injuries have been reported, officials have deployed significant resources to contain the fire. Approximately 60 firefighters and 20 ground units — including chemical hazard teams and specialised support groups — have been involved in the effort. Traffic in the surrounding area has been partially restricted to ensure access for emergency services.

The Catalan Fire Brigade has announced that the fire has been stabilised. 

“We have stopped the spread to neighbouring buildings. One of the objectives is to monitor the column generated by the fire to follow its evolution and toxicity levels,” the brigade stated on X.

Authorities continue to monitor air quality and urge residents to remain cautious as the containment efforts proceed.

By Sabina Mammadli