Götzis Recycling Plant Engulfed in Flames, Smoke Blankets Rhine Valley

Residents Advised to Seal Homes as Fire Rages

A significant fire erupted Thursday afternoon at a Götzis recycling facility, sending a thick plume of smoke visible across the entire Rhine Valley. Authorities have issued an urgent plea for residents in surrounding communities to remain indoors and close all windows and doors.

Paper Hall Blaze Prompts Public Warning

The inferno, believed to have originated in the paper hall of the waste management center around midday, continues to burn. While officials stated as of 2:00 p.m. that only paper without chemical additives was involved, the resulting smoke necessitated immediate public safety measures. Communities including Götzis, Koblach, Altach, and Mäder are affected by the advisory.

Road Closures and Diversions in Place

The intensity of the firefighting efforts led to the closure of the state road 203, which runs adjacent to the recycling operation. Traffic management has established a local diversion to reroute vehicles away from the affected area.

The impact of such industrial fires can be severe. For example, a 2023 fire at a recycling plant in Rotterdam, Netherlands, caused millions in damages and led to prolonged air quality concerns, highlighting the critical need for community alerts during such events. (BBC News)