Warehouse Fire Causes Environmental Concerns in Santa Catarina

09/26/2013 - 09h42

A major fire struck a fertilizer warehouse in São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina, 111 miles from the state capital Florianópolis. The blaze started at around 11pm on Tuesday.

According to the fire brigade, several houses adjacent to the warehouse were evacuated on account of the smoke. At least 70 people were taken to hospital suffering from intoxication.

There are concerns not only for health of the local population, but also regarding the potential for a severe environmental impact in the north of the state.

The column of smoke could be seen at 20km from the warehouse, and according to meteorologists, may drift as far as the south of São Paulo state.

The spread of this cloud through the atmosphere may have serious consequences for the flora and fauna of the region, with a localized acid rain occurring as a reaction to the chemicals.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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