A fire broke out at the Pinewells wood pellet factory in Cercal do Alentejo. The factory is in municipality of Santiago do Cacém in the district of Setúbal. The fire happened earlier today and caused two injuries. One person was seriously hurt.
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Fire At Pinewells Wood Pellet Factory
The fire alert was raised at 11:26 am. According to the Alentejo Litoral Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command, the fire started in the Pinewells factory. This company produces wood pellets which are an eco friendly fuel.
The two injured workers were inside the factory when the fire started. A guy aged 24 has severe burns. He was taken by chopper to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon. The other worker who was of age 27 had minor injuries. He was taken to Hospital do Litoral Alentejano in Santiago do Cacém by firefighters.
Fire had been put under control at 1:48 pm. Firefighters declared area safe by 2:42 pm. They continued to monitor the site to make sure the fire did not restart.
Emergency Response
Firefighters from several brigades worked together to fight the fire. A total of 33 people worked on the response. They used 15 vehicles and a helicopter.
Emergency medical teams also helped. They included an Immediate Life Support (SIV) ambulance and an Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle (VMER).
The helicopter from INEM was important in helping the seriously injured worker. It allowed him to get to a specialized hospital quickly.
Factory Profile And Impact
Pinewells is an important company in the renewable energy sector. It makes wood pellets which are a clean fuel made from wood. The factory supports the local economy by creating jobs and using local forestry resources.
The fire has caused damage to the factory. Officials are still checking the full extent of the damage. Investigations into how the fire started are also ongoing. The focus is on ensuring worker safety and preventing further problems for now.
Worker Safety And Response
This fire shows the importance of safety in industrial workplaces. Wood pellet factories can be at risk for fires because they use sawdust and heat. These materials can easily catch fire. Factories need to have strict safety rules to avoid such incidents.
The effect of this fire was reduced by the firefighters and doctors prompt action. Their behavior demonstrated the value of having robust emergency protocols in place.
Community And Regional Reaction
People in the area were relieved that the fire did not spread. Local authorities thanked the emergency teams for their fast work. There are concerns about the risks of having factories close to residential areas.
The mayor of Santiago do Cacém Álvaro Beijinha said the municipality will support the injured workers and their families. He also called for a detailed investigation to find out what caused the fire.
Firefighting Challenges
Fires in factories are difficult to handle. Materials like wood and sawdust burn quickly. Heavy machinery and closed spaces make firefighting harder. Firefighters need to plan carefully to keep themselves safe and stop the fire from spreading.
In this case, they controlled the fire within a few hours. Their success shows the value of modern equipment and teamwork. It is a reminder to invest in well prepared emergency response units.
This fire shows why safety in factories is so important. Regular checks, worker training, and advanced fire detection systems can reduce risks. Communities near factories also need to know what to do in case of emergencies.
The workers injured in this fire will need time to recover. Local authorities and Pinewells management have promised to help them and their families. The factory is a key part of the local economy so people hope it can resume operations soon.
The fire at Pinewells factory highlights the role of emergency teams in saving lives and property. Two workers were injured but the fast response prevented a larger disaster. This incident is a lesson in the importance of safety and preparedness. It is a call to improve protections for workers and communities near industrial sites.
