Friday morning in Caldes de Montbui began with an emergency: a waste processing plant in the La Borda industrial area caught fire. Flames swept through the production facilities around 7:12 a.m., causing panic among workers and prompting immediate intervention by emergency services. Three people sustained serious injuries and were urgently hospitalized.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes. Their main task was not only to extinguish the blaze but also to prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. This required a swift evacuation of people and the removal of flammable materials and pallets to minimize the risk of further fires. The situation was complicated by the fact that the flames quickly spread across the facility, completely engulfing one of the workshops.
The injured were taken to Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona. Their condition is reported as critical, with doctors fighting to save their lives. In addition to firefighters, eight ambulance teams and a medical helicopter were deployed at the scene, underscoring the scale and severity of the incident.
Traffic restrictions and emergency response measures
Due to the fire, traffic on the C-59 highway was completely closed in both directions near Caldes de Montbui. This caused significant difficulties for motorists and local residents, many of whom were unable to get to work or return home. Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and, if possible, avoid this section of road until the aftermath of the incident is fully resolved.
Seventeen fire crews were working at the scene, coordinating their efforts to protect surrounding facilities. Special attention was given to preventing the fire from spreading to nearby warehouses and production areas. Firefighters used special equipment to cool the walls and remove potentially hazardous materials to prevent further flare-ups.
Response of emergency services and residents
The emergency medical service (SEM) deployed not only ground resources, but also air support. A medical helicopter was brought in for rapid transport of victims to a specialized burns unit. In addition, a joint headquarters was established involving both firefighters and medical personnel to respond swiftly to any changes in the situation.
Civil Protection declared a preliminary alert under the Procicat protocol, which allowed additional forces and resources to be mobilized. The 112 emergency hotline received about 80 calls in a short period from witnesses and concerned residents. Many locals watched events unfold with anxiety, fearing for the safety of their homes and businesses.
Situation Stabilizes, Aftermath and Impact
By mid-morning, firefighters had managed to contain and control the blaze. However, the consequences of the incident will continue to affect city life for some time: part of the industrial area remains inaccessible, and traffic on the C-59 is being gradually restored. Experts have begun assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fire in Caldes de Montbui proved a major test for all city services. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of firefighters, medical teams and police, more severe consequences were avoided. Nevertheless, the injured will require long-term treatment, and local authorities have pledged full support for the families and employees affected.
