More than 160,000 residents near Barcelona were ordered to stay indoors on Saturday after a fire at a chemical storage warehouse sent a toxic chlorine cloud billowing over several coastal districts. The emergency measure, issued by Spanish authorities, came as firefighters battled a dangerous blaze in the city of Vilanova i la Geltrú, located around 50 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. The fire erupted early Saturday morning at a facility storing pool-cleaning chemicals. According to the regional fire department, the warehouse contained large quantities of chlorine-based products, which, when ignited, released hazardous gases into the air.
Emergency services swiftly responded, deploying multiple units to control the fire and monitor the airborne chemical levels. In a warning issued on social media, the Civil Protection service urged people within the affected zones not to leave their homes or workplaces. “If you are in the zone that is affected, do not leave your home or your place of work,” the service stated. Residents were also advised to seal their windows and doors to prevent exposure to the toxic fumes.
The alert area spans five municipalities along the Catalan coast, from Vilanova i la Geltrú to Calafell, near Tarragona. Officials say no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. However, precautionary shutdowns were enforced, with roads closed and nearby train stations temporarily shut to prevent access to the danger zone. Emergency responders are continuing to assess the situation, closely tracking the spread and toxicity levels of the chlorine gas cloud. A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that atmospheric monitoring is ongoing and that specialized teams are working to contain the fire and limit environmental damage.
Local authorities have not confirmed how long the confinement measures will remain in place but said updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of storing hazardous chemicals in densely populated areas, especially given the potential impact of airborne toxic releases. The source of the fire remains under investigation. While officials stress that the situation is under control, they have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow all safety directives until the toxic threat has passed. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.