Rubber Recycling Plant Consumed by Fire in Spain

Firefighters battled eight hours Saturday to contain a fire that consumed a rubber recycling factory in Espeluy, Spain.

Although under control, the fire is expected to burn several more days, authorities said.

The Andalusian Emergency Service received a first report of the fire shortly before 4 p.m. although neighbors told the local media that smoke was visible almost 90 minutes earlier. No workers were on duty due to the pandemic lockdown.

Smoke became so thick that train and automobile traffic through the area was temporarily halted. Homes and businesses were advised to shut their doors and windows.

The factory recycles used tires into a rubber powder used in road construction.