Fire Incident at Seveso High Threshold Site Near Rennes
A fire erupted late Saturday night at an industrial waste treatment facility classified as a Seveso high threshold site, located near Rennes. The incident occurred around midnight and was effectively brought under control by 3 a.m. on Sunday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to the prefecture of Ille-et-Vilaine.
Response and Impact
The absence of wind during the night played a crucial role in limiting the dispersion of smoke, ensuring that the vertical plume from the fire did not reach residential areas, with the nearest homes located 600 meters to the east of the site. Approximately 10 tonnes of waste burned in an eight-meter deep pit, primarily consisting of hazardous materials such as solvents, asbestos, and contaminated soil. The facility, operated by Triadis Rennes, processes over 700 tonnes of hazardous waste annually, which is why it holds a Seveso classification due to the potential risks associated with the materials handled.
Investigation and Safety Measures
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, preliminary investigations suggest it may have resulted from a chemical reaction due to incompatibility between certain products. In compliance with safety regulations for Seveso sites, the extinguishing water used to combat the fire has been retained for analysis and treatment to prevent environmental contamination.
