Ecublens recycling plant fire triggers massive emergency response

A major fire broke out at the Thévenaz-Leduc recycling facility in Ecublens, Switzerland, on Friday evening. The blaze, which primarily affected a storage area for metallic waste and old vehicles under a large canopy, required the mobilization of several hundred emergency responders throughout the night.

While the fire was brought under control by Saturday morning, extensive extinguishing operations continued to prevent reignition. The incident caused significant smoke development, leading local authorities to issue health advisories. Residents in the West Lausanne area were advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems. Those exposed to smoke were recommended to wear FFP2 masks if they had to go outside.

The fire also impacted local infrastructure, causing the closure of the motorway section between the Ecublens and Morges-Ouest junctions. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing, though preliminary assessments suggest it may have started in a vehicle carcass.