A fire at a vehicle workshop in the centre of Calatorao (Comarca Valdejalón, province of Zaragoza) a firefighter from the Diputación Provincial de Zaragoza (DPZ) and an employee of the business died. Emergency crews and the provincial administration confirmed this. The fire broke out in the workshop on Tuesday afternoon and prompted a major emergency response.
The flames produced a dense column of smoke, causing considerable alarm because of the proximity of residential buildings. According to the authorities, a large contingent of firefighters, emergency services and the Guardia Civil was dispatched to the town. The area around the workshop was cordoned off; firefighting and safety operations continued into the evening to prevent the fire from reigniting and check the structural stability of the building.
The DPZ confirmed the death of its firefighter. No details about the victims’ identities were initially released. The president of the provincial administration, Juan Antonio Sánchez Quero, went to the scene and offered condolences to the bereaved. He praised the work of the emergency crews and thanked the services involved for their co-ordination at the scene.
The local council warned residents about the toxicity of the smoke and asked them to keep away from the scene, keep windows and doors closed and switch off ventilation systems. These precautions were intended to help the emergency crews carry out their work and protect the public from possible pollutants. No reports of further injuries were available initially.
The authorities gave no information about the cause of the fire on Tuesday evening. The investigation is being conducted by the Guardia Civil together with fire experts. Investigators are examining the point of origin and possible technical causes inside the workshop. The authorities will not comment on workplace safety measures until the forensic examination has been completed.
The DPZ operates several fire stations in Zaragoza province and provides fire protection in numerous municipalities. Calatorao is in Comarca Valdejalón, around 50 kilometres from the provincial capital, Zaragoza. The incident again draws attention to the risks of responding to fires in commercial buildings, where flammable materials and confined spaces can make firefighting more difficult. Any firm conclusions will depend on the findings of the investigating authorities.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).