Tuesday morning, firefighters extinguished a blaze in an industrial park in Petrer. Several workers required medical attention for smoke inhalation, and the incident was reported to the Provincial Fire Consortium at 8:18 a.m. on Libertad Avenue in the Salinetas industrial area, according to authorities. The response involved multiple fire units arriving from nearby stations, and on-site medical teams prepared to assess and treat those affected. In such settings, crews coordinate with site managers to identify the safest routes for entry and exit, maintain clear air corridors, and prevent the spread of smoke to adjacent properties. Firefighters also set up a perimeter control, ensuring that spectators and nonessential personnel stayed out of danger while vehicles moved in and out with hoses and equipment. The early emphasis was on life safety, with the primary aim to evacuate any workers at risk and to establish a staging area where units could consolidate resources and communicate with hospitals about potential admissions. The broader objective was to contain the fire at its source and minimize structural damage, all while protecting neighboring firms and infrastructure.
The fire occurred inside a leather-processing facility, with the blaze initiating in the smoke extraction duct at the roof level. The flames were contained to the duct area, but dense smoke spread toward the workspaces, affecting workers who were treated by two ambulances on the scene. Crews worked to minimize smoke exposure and facilitate safe evacuation where needed, using ventilation equipment to reduce heat and improve visibility for responders. The site required careful navigation around machinery, stored hides, and chemical residues used in tanning processes. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and protective gear designed for industrial environments, moving through narrow corridors and across elevated platforms. The smoke’s behavior in ducts and ducts branching into vents demanded a methodical shut-off of ductwork to prevent oxygen feeds from sustaining the fire, followed by a coordinated attack using both water streams and air movement to push smoke toward exhaust points. Observers noted that the ventilation efforts significantly reduced smoke density in the main halls, aiding workers’ breathing and rescue operations.
The rapid response by provincial firefighters allowed the blaze to be under control by 8:35 a.m., after which ventilation operations began. The fire was finally extinguished at 9:56 a.m. Firefighters used fans, portable blowers, and the building’s own exhaust system to clear smoke, while teams monitored air quality and checked for hot spots in ductwork and ceiling voids. Medical crews remained on standby to respond to any late symptoms and to evaluate workers as they were able to re-enter or leave the building. After extinguishment, investigators assessed the scene for ignition sources and ensured that electrical supplies were safe. The overall approach in these situations emphasizes rapid suppression, containment of the source, and a staged cooling process, followed by a thorough perimeter clearance before allowing re-entry.
A command unit, a pump, and an aerial ladder were deployed as six Elda firefighters supported the operation, protecting workers and securing the site. The team coordinated with the province’s other fire crews, traffic controllers, and emergency medical services to maintain an orderly flow of equipment and ambulances. Firefighters from the Elda station worked under a chief officer who oversaw the operation from the command vehicle, while a sergeant, a corporal, and six firefighters carried out interior searches and exterior surveillance, ensuring all heat pockets were identified and addressed. The ladder platform provided access to the roof, enabling crew members to ventilate from above and check for embers in concealed spaces. The incident underlines the importance of rehearsed protocols for industrial fires, where swift, disciplined action and clear communication can save lives and limit downtime for surrounding businesses.