Rognac Waste Treatment Plant Fire: Shelter Lifted After Air Quality Tests
Table of Contents
- Rognac Waste Treatment Plant Fire: Shelter Lifted After Air Quality Tests
- Firefighters Continue to Battle Residual Flames
- Shelter-in-Place order Lifted Following air Quality Assessments
- Ongoing Monitoring and Assessment
- Initial Response and Containment Efforts
- Road and Rail Disruptions
- Waste Management Fires: An Ongoing Challenge
- Frequently Asked Questions About Waste Treatment Plant Fires
ROGNAC, France – A fire that erupted at a waste treatment plant in Rognac, France, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, led to the implementation of safety protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents. Recent air quality tests,however,have revealed no toxicity,leading authorities to lift the shelter order.As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, firefighters continue to combat the remaining active fire at the SPUR company warehouses.
Firefighters Continue to Battle Residual Flames
Approximately 170 firefighters, supported by a dozen law enforcement officers, remain on the scene, working to extinguish the residual fire at the waste treatment facility. Two frist responders, one firefighter and one police officer, sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. A safety perimeter remains in effect around the immediate vicinity of the plant.
Did You Know? Waste management facilities are susceptible to fires due to the presence of flammable materials and the potential for spontaneous combustion. Proper storage and handling protocols are crucial for preventing such incidents.
Shelter-in-Place order Lifted Following air Quality Assessments
Following the outbreak of the fire, authorities issued a preventive shelter-in-place order for residents of the hamlet of Barjaquets. Subsequent surveys conducted in Barjaquets, as well as in the neighboring towns of Velaux and Fare-les-Oliviers, have indicated no atmospheric toxicity. As a result, the shelter-in-place order has been lifted.
While the immediate threat has subsided, residents may notice soot deposits in certain areas. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur advises residents to avoid direct contact with these deposits.
Recommended Cleaning Procedures
The ARS recommends the following precautions for cleaning affected areas:
- Avoid using vacuum cleaners, blowers, high-pressure cleaners, or dry sweeping methods, as these can re-suspend particles.
- Clean surfaces with water only, using moistened wipes for furniture and damp mops for floors.
- Wear gloves during cleaning or repair operations.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves and after outdoor activities.
- High-risk individuals and pregnant women should wear FFP2 masks during cleaning.
- Wash garden fruits and vegetables before consumption and peel root vegetables.
Pro Tip: When cleaning soot, work from top to bottom to prevent re-soiling already cleaned surfaces. Dispose of cleaning materials properly to avoid further contamination.
Ongoing Monitoring and Assessment
The ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the DREAL (Regional Directorate of the Habitat of Planning and Housing) have established a post-event monitoring unit. This unit will assess the health and environmental consequences of the fire and determine necessary follow-up measures.
Initial Response and Containment Efforts
The fire at the SPUR company warehouses began at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. The company’s special intervention plan (PPI) was instantly activated. The Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture’s departmental operational center was also activated, and an operational command post was established on-site under the authority of the Sub-prefect of Istres.
Initial air quality surveys conducted at a distance of 750 meters from the site indicated no presence of toxicity. Emergency services deployed 89 vehicles from the SDIS (Departmental Fire and Rescue Service), including specialized chemical risk teams, along with 139 firefighters and 30 national gendarmerie officers.
Road and Rail Disruptions
The D20C road was closed in both directions at the intersection with the D20F and the roundabout of the avenue de Muriers and the D20. Train service between Miramas and Les Lanciers was temporarily suspended, with trains rerouted via the Blue Coast line.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| June 14, 7:30 PM | Fire breaks out at SPUR waste treatment plant. |
| June 14, Evening | Shelter-in-place order issued for Barjaquets residents. |
| June 15, Morning | Air quality tests reveal no toxicity; shelter order lifted. |
| June 15, Ongoing | Firefighters continue to battle residual flames. |
Waste Management Fires: An Ongoing Challenge
Fires at waste management facilities pose significant environmental and health risks. These fires can release harmful pollutants into the air, contaminate soil and water, and disrupt local communities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), proactive measures, including proper waste handling, storage, and fire prevention systems, are essential for mitigating these risks. Furthermore, advancements in waste treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and plasma gasification, can reduce the volume of combustible waste and minimize the likelihood of fires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waste Treatment Plant Fires
What steps do you think waste management facilities should take to prevent future fires? How concerned are you about the environmental impact of such incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
