The imposing plume of black smoke was visible from the islands of Ré and Oléron. A major fire hit this Thursday grain silos named "Bertrand" in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime). Located in the La Pallice district, these huge port facilities belong to the Sica-Atlantique group. Some contain wheat and are more than 40 m high.
In the end, only the loading belt overlooking these silos and allowing grain to be transported was ravaged by the flames. But more than 120 firefighters and about thirty vehicles – including a 72 m basket – were dispatched to the scene at eight o'clock.
[Intervention]
Firefighters intervene for a building fire and dryer, Rue Montcalm district La Pallice in #LaRochelle.
⚠️Heavy smoke Avoid
▶️the sector
▶️Leave free access to emergency services in transit#Inforoute17 pic.twitter.com/tSjRxQMktn
— Firefighters17 (@SDIS17) August 10, 2023
By midday, the fire was slowed and contained despite the difficulty in accessing the flames. "This is a complicated intervention because the transport belt is very fragile. There is always a risk of explosion on a silo, but the procedures put in place will avoid it, "quickly said Lieutenant-Colonel François Thèves, firefighter at the controls of the operations.
The origin of the disaster remains unknown
Because they emit highly flammable dust, grain silos are subject to specific regulations and regular checks. A perimeter of 100 m was set up and nearby businesses and staff were quickly evacuated. No injuries were reported. The origin of the disaster remains unknown at this stage. In order to anticipate a possible spread to other infrastructures, grain removal operations from the silos have begun.