Lockdown Ordered for 600 Residents in Òrrius After Fire at Paraffin Plant. A fire at a paraffin plant in Òrrius has forced 600 residents into isolation. Locals received an emergency alert instructing them to stay indoors. Authorities have deployed 35 firefighting teams.
In Òrrius (Barcelona), about 600 residents were forced to stay at home after a major fire broke out at a local paraffin production plant. The incident occurred during the day, when flames from the industrial site quickly spread to the adjacent forest. Authorities immediately activated the Es-Alert emergency notification system: residents received a message on their mobile phones instructing them not to leave their homes and to keep windows and doors closed.
The fire started around 12:40 on the open grounds of the facility. Within minutes, thick black smoke became visible from afar—the burning paraffin products were to blame. In response to more than 200 calls to 112, 30 ground and 5 aerial firefighting units from Catalonia were dispatched to the scene. The region implemented a high alert as part of the Infocat plan, and civil protection services warned that the alert signal might be extended to neighboring Argentona to ensure complete coverage of Òrrius.
Residents have been strongly advised not to go outside, to keep all windows and doors tightly closed, and to follow the instructions of emergency services. In case the situation worsens or any signs of danger appear, it is necessary to call 112 immediately. According to RUSSPAIN, similar isolation measures have already been implemented in other regions of Spain whenever there is a risk of hazardous substances spreading or heavy smoke. For example, residents of La Mancha had previously protested against restrictive measures related to infrastructure projects.
Fires at industrial facilities involving hazardous materials require a special response: Spain operates the Es-Alert system, which enables rapid notification of the public about potential risks. Catalonia records several major incidents each year related to industrial accidents and forest fires. Òrrius is a small municipality in the province of Barcelona where such incidents are rare, but its proximity to forested areas and industrial zones increases potential risks for residents. Authorities remind citizens: when receiving an emergency notification, it is important not to ignore the instructions and to remain calm until official restrictions are lifted.
