Pompiers13 responded in large numbers on Sunday, September 20, 2026, to a fire at a company specializing in scrap metal recycling in Vitrolles. The alert was raised shortly after 5 PM, intensifying an already busy operational weekend.
Upon the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier Venel, who commanded the operation, the setup was already well-established. The site contained vast quantities of cut and crushed metal, potentially not fully decontaminated, along with other materials like plastic and oil. Two distinct fire sources were quickly identified.
The primary objectives were to protect the production equipment, including a compactor, and to safeguard the main building housing hydrocarbon tanks. These goals were achieved thanks to the effective actions of the initial responders. The personnel's foresight also led to the precautionary evacuation of 100 nearby residents.
Lieutenant-Colonel Venel highlighted several favorable factors: good circulation within the premises, a functional hydraulic network, and the fact that the fire occurred on a Sunday, minimizing traffic disruptions in the industrial zone. The establishment of a population protection sector also allowed for the deployment of measurement systems to anticipate pollution issues.
Inter-agency cooperation was praised, with good contact maintained with the City of Vitrolles. The mayor and the official responsible for industrial risks visited the site. The national police also collaborated effectively. The president of Pompiers13, Richard Mallié, offered his support and commended the deployed strategy.
The operation continued for 48 hours, including water-dousing efforts on burnt vehicles. The fire was contained, preserving surrounding assets. No casualties were reported. Lieutenant-Colonel Venel thanked the support teams, logistics, VSAI (Vehicle of Assistance and Support for Intervention), and the health monitoring system, deeming them essential and valuable.
