Fire Harmful smoke spreads during fire in Vétroz VS

A major fire broke out in the industrial zone of Vétroz VS shortly after midday on Tuesday. Noxious smoke spread as a result. The area was evacuated.

The alarm was raised at 12.45 p.m., according to the Valais cantonal police. The fire department is on duty.

According to local radio station Rhône FM, the fire broke out at the Eckart company. The company manufactures zinc pigments for the automotive and railroad industries. It confirmed on request that the fire had broken out on its premises.

According to the police, there are no residential buildings in the immediate vicinity of the fire. However, they advised residents to close doors and windows and turn off the ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Memories of last year's fire

Just over a year ago, the industrial zone of Vétroz was the scene of a major fire. The fire broke out in the late afternoon of July 6 and was only brought under control the next morning after a major operation involving more than 140 firefighters.

Although there were no injuries, various precautionary measures had to be taken due to the heavy smoke. Swimming pools were closed, the harvesting of fruit and vegetables was banned and grazing was prohibited.

SDA