Before going abroad, Britons must check the latest travel advice for their chosen destination
By Anna Barry
Published: 10/05/2025
Updated: 10/05/2025
Holidaymakers have been instructed to follow the advice of the authorities
A travel warning has been issued to Britons in Catalonia following an industrial warehouse fire that has created a chlorine gas cloud over areas south of Barcelona.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised: "If you are in the area, you should follow the advice of authorities and monitor local updates, including staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed."
The toxic cloud has spread across parts of the region, prompting safety concerns for residents and visitors.
The blaze erupted at a swimming pool cleaning products company in Vilanova i la Geltru, a town located 48 kilometres south of Barcelona.
'If you are in the area, you should follow the advice of authorities and monitor local updates'
REUTERS
The fire started at 2.20am local time today, generating a huge plume of chlorine smoke over the area.
"It is very difficult for chlorine to catch fire, but when it does, it is very hard to put it out," said the owner of the industrial property, Jorge Vinuales Alonso, to local radio station Rac1. He suggested a lithium battery might have caused the fire.
Catalan authorities initially ordered around 160,000 people to remain confined to their homes as a precaution.
"If you are in the zone that is affected, do not leave your home or your place of work," the Civil Protection service posted on X. The confinement order was lifted later today.
No injuries were reported in the incident, though the emergency prompted train delays, road closures and event cancellations, impacting locals and holidaymakers.
Speaking to the TVE television channel, Civil Protection spokesperson Joan Ramon Cabello confirmed the fire is now under control.
This comes as just yesterday, Spain's Civil Protection agency warned of adverse weather conditions.
The warnings covered storms, rain and wind affecting several popular spots including Valencia, Almeria, Barcelona, Majorca, Aragon, Galicia, and La Palma.
For the latest information, those in affected areas are advised to consult http://ran-vmap.proteccioncivil.es.
Britons in Spain can also visit AEMET, the State Meteorological Agency, which has issued rain and storm warnings for parts of Spain today and tomorrow.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The fire started at 2.20am local time today
REUTERS
There are currently yellow and orange warnings across the Peninsula and Balearic Islands, as well as the Canary Islands.
Spain remains the top choice for British holidaymakers, who flock to the country in their masses for sun, sea, sand, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
But before visiting the popular spot, Britons should always consult the FCDO's latest travel advice for the beloved destination.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health, and getting help.
In other travel news, Britons have been told to be "extremely cautious" in fresh Asia travel guidance.
The toxic cloud has spread across parts of the region, prompting safety concerns for residents and visitors.
The blaze erupted at a swimming pool cleaning products company in Vilanova i la Geltru, a town located 48 kilometres south of Barcelona.
'If you are in the area, you should follow the advice of authorities and monitor local updates'
REUTERS
The fire started at 2.20am local time today, generating a huge plume of chlorine smoke over the area.
"It is very difficult for chlorine to catch fire, but when it does, it is very hard to put it out," said the owner of the industrial property, Jorge Vinuales Alonso, to local radio station Rac1. He suggested a lithium battery might have caused the fire.
Catalan authorities initially ordered around 160,000 people to remain confined to their homes as a precaution.
"If you are in the zone that is affected, do not leave your home or your place of work," the Civil Protection service posted on X. The confinement order was lifted later today.
No injuries were reported in the incident, though the emergency prompted train delays, road closures and event cancellations, impacting locals and holidaymakers.
Speaking to the TVE television channel, Civil Protection spokesperson Joan Ramon Cabello confirmed the fire is now under control.
This comes as just yesterday, Spain's Civil Protection agency warned of adverse weather conditions.
The warnings covered storms, rain and wind affecting several popular spots including Valencia, Almeria, Barcelona, Majorca, Aragon, Galicia, and La Palma.
For the latest information, those in affected areas are advised to consult http://ran-vmap.proteccioncivil.es.
Britons in Spain can also visit AEMET, the State Meteorological Agency, which has issued rain and storm warnings for parts of Spain today and tomorrow.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The fire started at 2.20am local time today
REUTERS
There are currently yellow and orange warnings across the Peninsula and Balearic Islands, as well as the Canary Islands.
Spain remains the top choice for British holidaymakers, who flock to the country in their masses for sun, sea, sand, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
But before visiting the popular spot, Britons should always consult the FCDO's latest travel advice for the beloved destination.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health, and getting help.
In other travel news, Britons have been told to be "extremely cautious" in fresh Asia travel guidance.
