Chemical plant on fire in France

Ukrinform
Chemical plant on fire in France
Around 30,000 residents of five municipalities in France's Moselle department have been urged to remain indoors following a major fire at an industrial facility where chemical substances were stored.

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by Le Figaro.

The fire broke out on the morning of Sunday, August 2, in a 500-square-meter warehouse at the SAFE facility operated by Suez in the industrial zone of Gandrange. The site is classified as a lower-tier Seveso establishment, indicating the presence of hazardous substances.

"As a precaution, residents of Gandrange, Amnéville, Vitry-sur-Orne, Clouange, and Rombas are being asked to remain indoors until further notice," the Moselle Prefecture said, confirming that chemicals were present in the burning warehouse.

Residents were instructed to keep doors and windows closed, switch off ventilation systems, avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary, and under no circumstances approach the fire.

A thick column of black smoke rose above the area and was visible for dozens of kilometers, stretching from Metz to Thionville. Residents of Amnéville reported difficulty breathing because of the smoke.

Read also: Zelensky discusses US visit with Macron, offers Ukraine's help in fighting French wildfires

Approximately 130 firefighters, dozens of fire engines, and specialized hazardous materials units equipped to assess air toxicity were deployed to combat the blaze.

According to Gandrange Mayor Quentin Bigo, firefighters have managed to contain the spread of the fire, but the operation is still ongoing and the situation remains under close monitoring.

No injuries have been reported so far.

As Ukrinform previously reported, wildfires across France are generally under control, although the situation could change.

Illustrative photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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