A large fire affected Roverplastic, a plastics company in Groppello di Gavirate, generating a night of strong apprehension for residents and authorities. The flames broke out around midnight inside the warehouse where plastic material ready for distribution was stored. The column of smoke, visible even from a great distance, prompted several people to report the emergency.
Numerous fire brigade units arrived on site within minutes, aware of the delicate nature of the system and the risk of spread. The firefighters’ work began immediately, in complex conditions due to the highly flammable nature of the materials involved.
The Varese command mobilized a total of 40 operators, supported by four fire engines, three tankers, a ladder truck, two off-road vehicles and a vehicle dedicated to the supply of breathing air cylinders. Thanks to coordinated and continuous action, the flames were contained and, after approximately three hours, it was possible to prevent the fire from spreading to the production area of the plant. No injuries were reported, but the clean-up and safety operations continued throughout the night and for the following hours.
An SOS Azzate ambulance remained on site as a precaution but fortunately at the time of the fire, there were no staff present in the company. The origins of the fire remain under investigation by firefighters and investigators.
Air monitoring and alerting citizens
Mayor Massimo Parola also intervened during the firefighting operations and followed the evolution of the situation closely. Arpa Lombardia technicians, who arrived on site around two o’clock, detected abnormal values in the air, results confirmed by the first analyzes carried out using a high-volume sampler.
Based on the indications received, the Municipality has prepared an ordinance for residents of the Groppello and Oltrona areas: keep windows closed, avoid hanging out clothes and reduce time outdoors. The Oltrona kindergarten was also invited to carry out activities exclusively indoors.
Arpa explained that further inspections are expected in the following hours, while the pollutant values are progressively decreasing. Civil protection will update citizens directly and invites them to contact the bodies involved only for real emergencies.
You might also be interested in:
