Deroma factory fire in Malo triggers evacuations and smoke warnings

A large-scale fire broke out on the afternoon of October 1 at the Deroma plant in Malo, in the province of Vicenza. The facility, which produces and sells indoor and outdoor flowerpots, saw flames engulf a shipping department and a plastic pot storage area. The fire caused several explosions within the warehouse and sent a dense column of black smoke visible as far as Vicenza, reaching an estimated height of 100 meters.

Emergency response efforts involved multiple fire departments from Vicenza, Thiene, Schio, Rovigo, Padova, Treviso, and Verona. Authorities evacuated nearby businesses within a 200-meter radius and local residences due to the risk of further explosions. No injuries have been reported.

As a precaution, local officials have advised residents in the surrounding areas to keep doors and windows closed, turn off ventilation systems that exchange air with the outside, and avoid outdoor activities. Arpav is currently monitoring air quality to assess the impact of the smoke on public health.