Drone shows damage to factory after fire and explosion in Salto; see before and after

Aerial images taken this Saturday morning (14) show what remained of the structure of the Pyrozzar factory after the large fire that hit the site this Friday (13), in Salto (SP). The fire was controlled by the Fire Department in the early hours of the morning, after more than 16 hours of work. The teams remain on site and carry out the aftermath.

According to Salto City Hall, the accident left at least 12 people injured, including one of the owners and the company director, Civil Defense agents and firefighters.

The drone images captured by TV TEM cameraman, Fábio Modesto, show the warehouse used by the factory completely destroyed. There is still smoke in some spots.

Pyrozzar specializes in the manufacture of industrial paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners and waterproofing agents and also works in the collection and reuse of chemical waste, such as paint sludge and contaminated solvents from other industries.

Around 50 employees worked at the site, which is close to Rodovia Prefeito Hélio Steffen (SP-75). The explosion caused a giant cloud of smoke and fire that could be seen from miles away. Neighbors filmed the fire and several families had to leave their homes for safety reasons. The causes of what happened will be investigated by the authorities.

The Government of São Paulo mobilized 60 firefighters and 22 vehicles. This Saturday morning (14), four vehicles were still involved in the aftermath work. According to the Fire Department, the operation has already used approximately 400 thousand liters of water.

Avenida das Nações, where the company is located, was closed. Residents had to evacuate their homes and were allowed to return on Saturday morning (14). Power supply was suspended as a safety measure.

The situation raises an alert for residents and people who work in places close to the fire due to the large amount of toxic smoke.

According to doctor Mosiah Machado, in addition to the visible soot, the cloud carries microscopic particles and toxic gases that, if inhaled, cause everything from irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing and headache, to more serious intoxication.

The expert highlights that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and patients with asthma or other respiratory diseases need increased attention. To avoid complications, the advice for those who live close to the affected area is to stay at home, keep doors and windows closed and turn off devices such as fans or air conditioning.

"Masks, despite protecting against some particles, do not protect against toxic gases that may be present in smoke. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, mental confusion, fainting or a significant worsening of symptoms, seek emergency care immediately", warns Mosiah Machado.

In a statement, Pyrozzar Pirosol said it was investigating the causes. He also said that the current priority is the safety and well-being of all employees, neighboring communities and control of the situation.

"Our technical team and the competent authorities are already working on site. All emergency protocols were activated immediately. The Fire Department is on site and the area has been isolated. We are providing full assistance to the employees directly involved and their families", says the company.