Major fire engulfs plastics factory in central Italy

A significant fire erupted at a plastic materials processing company in the province of Pisa, central Italy, on Monday, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky visible for dozens of kilometers.

The fire started in an industrial building in the municipality of Vicopisano early Monday morning. The cause of the blaze has not yet been reported. Emergency services received the initial alert around 9:20 a.m. local time, and firefighters have been working for over seven hours to contain the flames, with extinction efforts still ongoing.

In response to the magnitude of the fire and the potential risks associated with burning plastics, authorities mandated the evacuation of factories within the industrial park and several nearby schools. Local municipalities, including Pisa, Cascina, Vicopisano, Calci, and San Giuliano Terme, implemented preventive measures.

Residents were advised to remain indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and turn off ventilation and air conditioning systems to prevent contaminated air from entering their homes. Outdoor activities, including work, sports, and recreation, were suspended. Authorities also recommended washing fruits and vegetables grown in the area thoroughly before consumption and keeping pets and livestock indoors to protect their food and water from ash and smoke.