WARSAW, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire that broke out Sunday afternoon at an aerosol manufacturing plant in Charnowo, northern Poland, was still burning as of 6:30 p.m. local time, with firefighting operations ongoing. According to local authorities, there is a potential risk of explosion.
The blaze was reported just before 1 p.m. local time, with firefighters confirming that the entire facility was engulfed in flames. Over 60 state and volunteer fire departments, including more than 200 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
The police evacuated workers and residents in the immediate vicinity of the burning factory. Plumes of black smoke could be seen from miles away. The Central Security Council has issued a special alert warning of smoke.
According to local media TVN24, Piotr Basarab, press officer for the Slupsk Fire Department, said that there are tanks containing gases and liquids used in production. He admitted that the situation was difficult. "We can still hear explosions in the background, and there's a high risk of explosions from fire gases," he added.
Emergency services reported no casualties at this time, noting that only security personnel were inside the building when the fire started. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and firefighting operations could continue until Monday. ■
