Shelter-in-place order lifted in Vilanova, Roquetes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell after chemical fire 

The Civil Protection Services have lifted the shelter-in-place order in the municipalities of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Roquetes de Sant Pere de Ribes, Cubelles, Cunit, and Calafell.

The alert was initially activated at 5:30 am on Saturday, after a fire had broken out at 2:20 am at a warehouse storing chemical products used for pool cleaning.

The warehouse contained 70 tonnes of chlorine, resulting in the release of a significant chemical cloud.

Firefighters at the scene have reported that the fire is under control. They also have clarified that the toxic cloud, which can cause eye irritation and respiratory difficulties, was caused by the extinguishing efforts.

In the morning, a message from the Civil Protection Services was sent to the mobile phones of all residents required to remain at home until further notice.

Although the shelter-in-place order has been lifted for now, authorities say that residents should still take precautions and that the order may be reactivated if wind conditions change.

"Highly precautionary" measures 

The deputy director of the Civil Protection Services, Imma Solé, has urged residents to respect the shelter-in-place order and stressed in a press conference that the confinement measure is “highly precautionary” and reassured that there is no cause for alarm.

For the time being, there is no estimated time for when the confinement will be lifted, but authorities will send out another mobile phone alert as soon as it is safe to do so.

During a political meeting on Saturday, Catalan president Salvador Illa also urged residents to follow Civil Protection orders, adding that the situation is "under control." 

Disruptions and cancellations

Traffic has been cut off on motorways C-15 and C-31 near Vilanova for safety reasons, and Civil Protection Services are asking residents to avoid travelling in the area.

The Renfe R2 Sud train line will not be stopping at stations between Sitges and Sant Vicenç de Calders.

The Vilanova i la Geltrú City Council has suspended the street market Mercat del Centre until further notice, and both markets Mercat del Centre and Mercat de Mar will remain closed.

Several outdoor activities have also been canceled for the time being, including the children’s literature festival in Vilanova, Conte Va!