Ecublens fire contained, but smoke persists

Firefighters have contained a major blaze that erupted Friday evening at the Thévenaz-Leduc company's warehouse in Ecublens, Switzerland. The facility, which recycles metals and industrial waste, caught fire shortly before 7 p.m. Hundreds of emergency personnel were mobilized overnight to combat the flames.

As of Saturday morning, the fire is under control, but police confirmed that extinguishing operations will likely continue for many more hours. The Vaud cantonal police issued an alert via the AlertSwiss platform, warning residents in the western Lausanne region about the significant smoke plume extending for dozens of kilometers.

Authorities have urged the public to take precautions against the smoke. Residents have been advised to close windows and doors and to shut down ventilation and air conditioning systems. For individuals directly exposed to the smoke, characterized by visible plumes or odors, staying indoors and maintaining these closures is recommended. If venturing outside is necessary, wearing an FFP2 protective mask is advised, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Traffic disruptions are also in effect. The cantonal police, in collaboration with civil protection, have implemented traffic management measures on the highway. A diversion is in place in both directions between the Morges-Crissier and Morges-Malley junctions, expected to last for several more hours. The public is strongly advised to avoid this sector and the wider Ecublens area altogether.