Fire Breaks Out at Spur Waste Treatment Facility in Rognac
Significant fire at Spur's waste treatment facility raises health and environmental concerns in Rognac.
Key Points
- • Fire erupted at Spur's Rognac facility on June 14, 2025.
- • 80 firefighters remain on site as of June 15 to manage residual fires.
- • Pollution concerns in Berre pond lead to bans on swimming and nautical activities until June 18.
- • Five individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident.
On June 14, 2025, a significant fire incident occurred at Spur's waste treatment facility in Rognac, prompting immediate emergency response actions. The blaze was first reported around 19:30, necessitating the deployment of 139 firefighters and 30 military personnel to manage the situation effectively. The firefighting efforts continued into June 15, with around 80 firefighters stationed at the site to monitor and control residual flames, ensuring no fatalities ensued. However, five individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated by emergency services.
In the wake of the fire, environmental concerns have emerged regarding pollution in the nearby Berre pond, attributed to runoff from firefighting operations. In recognition of this issue, the Service départemental d'incendie et de secours (SDIS) has set up barriers to control the pollution spread, and a thorough assessment of the contamination is being conducted in collaboration with the Centre de Documentation de Recherche et d’Expérimentations sur les pollutions accidentelles des eaux (CEDRE).
To safeguard public health and safety, the prefect of the region has issued decrees banning swimming and all nautical activities—including fishing and shellfish collection—along the shoreline of the Berre pond until midnight on June 18. This prohibition affects ten municipalities including Rognac, Berre, Saint-Chamas, and others.
Authorities are also advising locals on safety protocols regarding possible soot fallout from the fire, particularly for vulnerable populations. To further monitor the situation, a post-event tracking cell has been established to evaluate the long-term health and environmental impacts stemming from the incident.
As it stands, the local emergency services are continuing their efforts to mitigate the hazards posed by the fire, while community safety remains a top priority in the responses undertaken by the prefecture.