Four Reus firefighters, slightly injured in an explosion during the extinguishing of a fire in dried fruit

Four Generalitat firefighters have suffered minor injuries in Reus in a small deflagration while working to extinguish a fire at a dried fruit company. The incident occurred late in the afternoon in an industrial park of the city, specifically at Unió Nuts, a company specialized in dried fruit products.

The fire had started early in the morning in an outdoor silo full of almond hulls, a material that, due to its composition, can pose explosion risks if accumulated and ignited. The firefighters were operating to control and extinguish the flames when the deflagration occurred, causing minor injuries to four personnel.

Context and Details of the Incident in Reus

What exactly happened during the deflagration?

The deflagration occurred around 6:00 p.m. when six ground units of firefighters were working on the fire originating in a silo full of almond hulls. This accumulation of dried fruit residues is flammable and can cause small explosions if there is presence of fire and concentration of gases or dust.

The four affected firefighters received immediate care. One of them was transferred as a precaution to the Sant Joan Hospital in Reus and another was evacuated for an ophthalmological check-up, indicating the moderate severity of their injuries.

Why is this incident relevant at the local level?

This event highlights the risk posed by flammable materials in food companies, especially in industrial zones like the Mas de les Ànimes industrial park, a key area for the Baix Camp industry. The rapid response of emergency services and the coordination of the units prevented the situation from worsening and allowed the fire to be controlled in time.

Implications for Fire Safety and Prevention

How can similar incidents be prevented?

The accumulation of almond hulls and other organic residues in areas such as silos and warehouses must be managed with strict protocols to minimize the risks of ignition and explosions. This includes regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and temperature controls to avoid the buildup of flammable gases.

It is also necessary to ensure specific training for emergency teams regarding the particularities of the materials they may encounter, to adapt extinguishing techniques and personal protection.

What measures do the Firefighters take to ensure their safety?

The Generalitat Firefighters have detailed protocols for intervention in industrial fires, which include the use of advanced protective equipment and coordination with health services to respond quickly to any incident. In this case, the swift medical attention to the injured was key to preventing more serious complications.

Impact and Follow-up After the Incident

What is the current situation of the injured Firefighters?

The four affected firefighters have minor injuries and are in recovery after being treated in medical centers in Reus. Hospital transfer and ophthalmological check-ups are part of the usual preventive protocol following exposures to explosions and smoke.

The Generalitat maintains strict follow-up to ensure their recovery and strengthen safety in future interventions.

What impact does this event have on the local industry?

Despite the relative severity of the event, the incident at Unió Nuts highlights the need to review safety protocols in food companies handling flammable materials. The Baix Camp sector, with an important dried fruit industry, may see reinforced prevention measures to avoid similar risks.

The coordinated response and professionalism of the emergency teams prevented a worse outcome, while maintaining the safety of both the company workers and the citizens of the industrial area.

Source of the article: Catalan News Agency