Fire at a chlorine factory in southern France. The inhabitants of the area, advised to stay in houses
Medium with toxic gases (Photo source Zulkifly al Ashani, Dreamstime.com)
A fire broke out on Sunday at a chlorine factory in southern France, raising the risk of clearing toxic fumes and causing the authorities to ask the inhabitants of the area to stay in houses, reports Reuters.
The plant, operated by HydraPro, produces chlorine for swimming pools. The local authorities recommended to all those in a radius of about one kilometer of factory not to go out and to keep the doors and windows closed.
“The wind blows north, and the smell of chlorine feels in the air,” the prefecture said, adding that the smell itself does not present a risk for public safety.
The factory is classified as “Seveso” according to a European directive that obliges the Member States to identify the units where dangerous substances are manipulated.
Firefighters were sent to the scene, and a specialized team will be joined, the authorities announced.
The chemical plant is located in the city of Lédenon, about 28 kilometers southwest of Avignon.
Photo: Zulkifly al Ashani, Dreamstime.com
