A major emergency was declared on May 14, 2025, as fire breaks in southern Spain at a chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra, near Seville. The blaze erupted at the Plainsur facility, located in the La Red industrial park, triggering an explosion and releasing a towering plume of dark, toxic smoke visible from over 80 kilometers away.
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The warehouse, which stores highly flammable chemicals such as ethylene, toluene, and industrial solvents, was quickly evacuated after the explosion. One person was hospitalized with burns, but initial reports suggest all staff were safely removed from the premises. As fire breaks in southern Spain, the scale of the hazard prompted officials to issue urgent safety measures.
Approximately 77,000 to 80,000 residents of Alcalá de Guadaíra were ordered to stay inside their homes, seal doors and windows, and use masks to avoid inhaling potentially dangerous fumes. The local town hall and Civil Protection services issued alerts to mobile phones, and the Andalusian regional government activated a Level 1 emergency.
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Authorities Monitor Toxic Risks
Firefighters from seven stations across the Seville province were mobilized to combat the inferno, while nearby warehouses were also evacuated as a precaution. As the fire breaks in southern Spain, concerns mount over air quality, with authorities still assessing the specific chemicals involved and the environmental impact.
The fire remains active, and officials continue efforts to contain it and prevent further spread. Residents are urged to comply with safety instructions and await further updates. The incident highlights the significant risks posed by chemical storage sites and the importance of rapid emergency response when fire breaks in southern Spain.