Campofelice di Roccella: Fire at Plastic Waste Treatment Plant – Updates & Road Closure

An ongoing fire at a plastic waste treatment facility in Campofelice di Roccella, Italy, continues to challenge emergency responders. The blaze, which began the previous night, has impacted thousands of square metres of stored waste bales and prompted a large-scale firefighting effort.

Firefighting Efforts and Environmental Concerns

Fire crews from across the province have been working to contain the fire and protect the facility’s internal structures. Specialized equipment, including a refuse removal unit and an aircraft capable of delivering over 4,000 liters of water per minute, are being utilized.

The commander of the Palermo fire department, Girolamo Bentivoglio Fiandra, arrived on-site Thursday morning to assess the situation. Simultaneously, the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) has collected environmental samples to check for potential pollution levels, with analysis results pending.

Did You Know? The firefighting aircraft is capable of delivering over 4,000 liters of water per minute.

The state road 113, located in front of the facility, has been closed to traffic and is being monitored by Anas personnel and the highway patrol.

Expert Insight: Fires at waste treatment facilities present complex challenges, not only in terms of suppression but also potential environmental and public health consequences. The ongoing monitoring for pollution levels is a critical step in assessing and mitigating any risks to the surrounding community.

Autobots from the Palermo Metropolitan City’s Civil Protection department are also supporting the firefighting teams.

Potential Next Steps

If the fire continues, authorities may need to consider extended road closures and potential evacuations of nearby areas. The results of the ARPA’s environmental analysis could lead to further mitigation measures if pollution is detected. It is also possible that a full investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the fire?

The source does not state the cause of the fire.

Where is the fire located?

The fire is located at a plastic waste treatment facility in Campofelice di Roccella, near the Buonfornello highway exit in the province of Palermo.

Is the fire contained?

As of February 5, 2026, the fire is not yet extinguished, and operations to contain it are ongoing.

What are the potential long-term effects of a fire at a plastic waste facility on the surrounding environment and community?