Pierrelatte (26): Fire at a pallet manufacturing company

At around 9.40 am on Thursday, a fire broke out at the premises of Palbox, a pallet manufacturer located in the Pierrelatte industrial estate in the Drôme. Strong winds are only fanning the flames, which are consuming this substantial stock of pallets; the plume of smoke created by the fire has forced the town council to implement containment measures for pupils at schools in Pierrelatte as well as for the town’s residents. According to France Bleu Ardèche, there are currently 75 firefighters at the scene, along with around 30 vehicles. The main risk is the fire spreading to the rest of the factory. TER and TGV rail services have been suspended between Valence and Avignon. Passengers and members of the public are, of course, advised to avoid approaching the industrial estate so as not to hinder the emergency services’ operations.