Seville chemical fire prompts stay-at-home order for 80,000 residents

Thursday 15 May 2025 - 14:33

By: Dakir Madiha

Seville chemical fire prompts stay-at-home order for 80,000 residents

Spanish authorities issued a stay-at-home order for nearly 80,000 residents surrounding the southern city of Seville on Wednesday. This directive came in response to a significant fire at a chemical warehouse, which generated a towering plume of smoke that raised health concerns across the area.

Emergency services reported that they received multiple alerts in the early afternoon regarding thick, black smoke emanating from an industrial estate in Alcalá de Guadaira, a town with a population of approximately 77,000 located southeast of Seville. In light of the incident, officials evacuated the estate and urged local residents to close all doors and windows to minimize the risk of smoke infiltration.

The fire reportedly ignited within a chemical warehouse, likely triggered by a spark in a tank containing a highly toxic substance. Alcalá de Guadaira's mayor, Ana Isabel Jimenez Contreras, provided updates to the media, assuring the public that the immediate danger had dissipated. "We have been informed that this danger no longer exists, as the tank has completely burned, eliminating the hazardous material," she stated. The mayor confirmed that the fire was effectively controlled and contained.

Fortunately, the incident resulted in only minor injuries. Two individuals received treatment at the scene: one worker suffered burns, while another experienced smoke inhalation, both of whom were reported to be in stable condition.

This fire follows a similar incident that occurred over the weekend near Barcelona, where more than 160,000 residents were ordered to remain indoors for nearly seven hours due to the release of a toxic chlorine cloud from an industrial warehouse fire.

As the situation develops, local authorities continue to monitor air quality and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.