They call to stay at home and close windows due to the release of ammonia in the Camanchaca fire | National

The health authority called on the population to stay at home and close the windows due to the release of ammonia left by the Camanchaca fishery fire in Talcahuano.

The chemical is used as part of the refrigeration system in the plant and is released in emergencies of this type to avoid explosions, so from Health they stated that an amount was dosed into the environment for safety.

The representative of Health in Talcahuano, Alex Caniulao, affirmed that the flames have reached an area adjacent to the ammonia ponds, which is why part of it was released.

“The call to the population is that for the moment they stay in their houses, windows closed, refrain from going out on the street until the atmospheric dispersion allows to lower the risk of this fire in the commune,” Caniulao recommended.

Likewise, he indicated that “the valves prevent the ponds from exploding when there is an overpressure by process or external heat.

The incident would have started after 11:00 hours. From Camanchaca they assured that it began in a warehouse area, adding that “the plant was stopped at the time the fire started and the personnel who worked inside evacuated without inconvenience.”

Around 15 fire companies from Talcahuano, Concepción and Hualpén continue to work there.