A warehouse fire in Vilanova i la Geltrú, located south of Barcelona on Spain’s coast, has caused the release of a toxic chlorine cloud. The fire broke out on Saturday morning at a facility that stores pool cleaning products, according to the regional fire service.

As a result of the emergency, Spanish authorities have issued a directive for over 160,000 residents to stay indoors as a safety measure.

Safety measures and ongoing efforts

The Civil Protection service in Spain took to social media to inform those in the affected area, advising them to remain inside their homes or workplaces. The public was also urged to keep their doors and windows closed.

The impacted area stretches across five local districts, including Vilanova i la Geltrú and Calafell, which is near Tarragona.

Firefighters have so far reported no injuries and have deployed numerous units to handle the situation. The authorities are continuing to monitor the chlorine cloud to assess any changes in its toxicity.

Jorge Vinuales Alonso, the owner of the warehouse, explained in an interview that chlorine is notoriously difficult to ignite, but once it does catch fire, it becomes very hard to extinguish.

Cause of fire and future expectations

Vinuales Alonso hinted that a lithium battery could have been the possible cause of the fire. However, in an update provided by public television station TVE, the mayor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Juan Luis Ruiz López, expressed optimism.

He stated that the authorities expect the toxic cloud to begin dissipating soon, which would allow them to lift the current restrictions once the fire is fully extinguished.