Toxic Chlorine Cloud Forces 160,000 Indoors in Spain

Over 160,000 residents in northeastern Spain were ordered to stay indoors on Saturday after a massive fire broke out at an industrial warehouse, releasing a dangerous chlorine cloud across a wide coastal area south of Barcelona.

The fire began early in the morning in the town of Vilanova i la Geltrú, where the warehouse stored chemicals used for swimming pool maintenance.

Catalonia's regional fire service responded swiftly, deploying numerous units to contain the blaze and monitor the evolving levels of toxic emissions.

Authorities activated emergency protocols, urging residents across affected zones to remain indoors, shut windows, and seal doors. Civil defence also closed roads and suspended train services to prevent public access to the danger zone.

So far, no casualties have been reported. Emergency crews are working to bring the fire under control while closely tracking air toxicity levels. Officials are still investigating the cause, with preliminary suspicions pointing to a lithium battery as the ignition source.

The warehouse owner, Jorge Viñales Alonso, noted in a radio interview that while chlorine is not easily flammable, once ignited, it is extremely difficult to extinguish.

Vilanova’s mayor, Juan Luis Ruiz López, told national television that authorities expect the toxic cloud to begin dissipating once the fire is fully contained. He added that current safety measures could soon be lifted as conditions improve.