Quema Química chemical plant fire engulfs Itaquaquecetuba, São Paulo

A massive fire broke out on 4 August 2026 at the Quema Química chemical plant in Itaquaquecetuba, part of the São Paulo metropolitan area. The blaze involved more than two million litres of highly volatile solvents – including methanol, ethanol, acetone, toluene and hexane – stored in 24‑26 tanks. Explosions ripped through the facility, sending a dense black plume of smoke visible dozens of kilometres away and prompting the detonation of nearby sewer covers.

Firefighters from the São Paulo Corps of Bombeiros deployed up to 80 personnel, 30‑40 fire engines and additional water‑tankers, working for more than 16 hours. No deaths were reported; one person required medical attention after a convulsion. Authorities evacuated roughly 200 workers and temporarily relocated nearby residents, while the municipal mayor Eduardo Boigues ordered the closure of the Bonsucesso road and surrounding streets. Power to the site was cut by the local utility, and the environmental agency Cetesb began air‑quality monitoring.

The incident remains under investigation by the fire brigade, Defesa Civil and forensic teams, with efforts focused on preventing further explosions, containing the fire and assessing possible chemical contamination of air, soil and water.