Port of Pasaia industrial fire and investigation

On August 21, an industrial fire broke out at the Port of Pasaia involving metal scrap, plastic, and batteries. The blaze produced a dense smoke column that affected Lezo, Rentería, and Donibane, prompting authorities to issue an ES-Alert. Residents were instructed to stay indoors, close windows, and disable ventilation due to potential smoke toxicity. The incident caused local mobility disruptions, including the closure of the GI-3440 road and the suspension of bus services.

Following the incident, the mayors of Lezo and Pasaia, Teo Alberro and Mikel Arruti, issued a joint demand for authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire. They stated that the event “cannot be considered normal” and have requested detailed reports from all competent administrations.

The mayors are seeking technical information regarding the origin of the fire, the specific materials involved, and the effectiveness of existing prevention measures. They are also calling for an analysis of the emergency management and the subsequent environmental impact on air, soil, and water. Additionally, local governments have requested documentation concerning communication protocols between the port and municipalities, specifically regarding the deployment of the ES-Alert system and SMS notifications sent to citizens, noting that comprehensive technical information has not yet been received.