The fire started last Thursday 14 January in the afternoon, in a container with chemicals. Although not having ascertained the cause yet, it seems the cargo in the container came into contact with rainwater, which then ignited. It was raining heavily at the time.
The fire started at a container port terminal, Localfrio, which is also a bonded terminal, on the left bank of the river (actually the sea, as both Santos and Guarujá are islands).
A cloud of toxic smoke passed over the city of Vicente de Carvalho/Guarujá and caused respiratory problems to many people. Due to shifting of the wind, the smoke column also affected Santos and the nearby cities of Cubatão and São Vicente. The fire brigade was finally able to extinguish the fire completely on Saturday (16 January) around 4 am. Approximately 50 containers were involved.
As from Thursday evening until Friday evening (some 24 hours), operations on the next door terminals of Santos-Brasil (containers) and TEV (vehicles), were suspended.
Since yesterday, everything has returned to normal.
Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.
Photo: Courtesy from Brazil P&I