VIDEOS. Ardennes: large-scale fire in a factory, residents invited to caulk

A fire broke out in the middle of the afternoon, this Friday February 3, 2023 in a factory in Bazeilles near Sedan (Ardennes). The company employs 16 people. There are no victims. Firefighters specializing in chemical risks were on site to carry out toxicity measurements.

Update 8:50 p.m.

In a press release, the Ardennes prefecture informs that the fire at a factory near Sedan, in Bazeilles (Ardennes), is now contained. The fire and the plume of smoke have diminished in intensity. The firefighters are still mobilized (including four Belgian reinforcements) to carry out the total extinction of the fire. The departmental fire and rescue service quickly carried out toxicity readings around and in the towns bordering the installation. No abnormal value was detected. Residents are asked to avoid the area in order to allow the emergency services to carry out their mission in complete safety.

Article written at 6:03 p.m., 6:45 p.m., then 7:22 p.m.

The Polymoulages factory has been engulfed in flames since mid-afternoon, Friday February 3, 2023. The fire broke out at 4:55 p.m. Significant firefighter resources are deployed on site in Bazeilles, near Sedan (Ardennes). Thick black smoke is visible in the distance, for several kilometers around. The plant manager, Bruno Giannini, whom we have just joined “ensure there are no casualties.” It’s already a big relief.

By late afternoon, the town was already plunged into darkness, not only because it was getting dark, but also because of the smoke.

There are 16 employees in this factory which manufactures plastics. The sector is cordoned off, the firefighters are working hard because the technological risk is not excluded. There are 64 firefighters from the barracks of Charleville, Sedan and Vrignes-aux-Bois.

The cleaner who was last in the business at the end of the day heard an explosion, “a big boom”And “She notified the emergency services with the director,” explained to us the mayor of Bazeilles, Francis Bonne who immediately went to the site. Several explosions were also heard in the city center of Bazeilles.

Colonel of the Ardennes firefighters, Jérémy Pierlot ensures “that a large device is engaged. The fire extends over the total area of ​​the company, that is to say 1600 M2. 4 lances are in operation, 19 vehicles. A brigade specialized in chemical risks has also arrived. It must take stock of the situation and assess the risks.”

“It’s meticulous and dangerous work, he adds, it requires a lot of water because we have difficulties, there are a lot of flames, it’s violent, it’s very hot. The risks are significant, there are many products with high calorific potential and therefore very flammable inside.

Since October 1995, Polymoulages has specialized in the manufacture of polyester and polyurethane parts. The company based in Bazeilles, in the Ardennes, near Sedan is one of the only factories to practice this activity. “They are specialized in SNCF nacelles”the mayor told us. “Everything is destroyed, the whole building, as well as the molds and molding presses. 16 employees are now on technical unemployment.”

Important releases of smoke in the direction of Douzy. Firefighters and state services are on site. The prefect appeals to your caution and recommends that residents avoid the area and keep their windows closed.

The company is located a few kilometers from Sedan. Residents have posted several videos. The thick black smoke is impressive.