Smoke from France industrial waste fire confines 30,000 indoors

An industrial waste warehouse caught fire in Gandrange, France, on Sunday morning, emitting noxious smoke that prompted authorities to temporarily order around 30,000 residents to remain indoors, according to local civil defense spokeswoman Geraldine Chambeaudie. The fire was brought under control by the afternoon. The extent of the smoke's reach became apparent as it was visible from 15 kilometers away in Metz city.

Local resident Amandine Vecchio, 34, reported experiencing a terrible smell and a headache shortly after leaving a cinema in Amneville. She advised her eight-year-old daughter to cover her mouth and nose with a stuffed toy and instructed her teenage son to bring their dog and cats inside, close windows, and lock the doors. The mayor of Clouange village, Clement Deriu, confirmed that the smoke was causing headaches and nausea among people.

France has been experiencing a summer of wildfires, including its largest blaze since 1949 near Bordeaux, which was under control after over a week. Last year, the World Meteorological Organization warned that wildfires can release toxic pollutants, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers, such as smoke from Canadian wildfires affecting European air quality in 2024.