Fire destroys waste-company warehouse in Coimbra

A fire in the early hours of 21 October destroyed a warehouse belonging to waste-management company BioVia in Coimbra’s Pedrulha industrial area. Local reports later described an operation focused on cooling and monitoring the site.

Diário de Coimbra reported about 60 firefighters and 20 vehicles at the scene. Threats to neighbouring buildings and embers reaching nearby vegetation complicated the response.

Firefighters worked to prevent additional outbreaks around the site. The overnight report said the blaze had been brought under control while cooling operations continued.

In a morning update carried by Diário As Beiras, Coimbra Sapadores commander Paulo Palrilha said crews were awaiting heavy machinery to remove the collapsed roof. Rubber waste remaining inside required continued cooling and surveillance.

The total financial damage and cause have not been established publicly. Bringing the flames under control does not mean the warehouse was safe to reopen or that all operations had finished.