A major fire at the fittings manufacturer Maco in the south of Salzburg left at least five people with minor injuries during the night from Thursday to Friday. In addition, large quantities of chemicals were released in the fire, which now need to be absorbed and disposed of by a specialized company. A smoke detector went off at 10:30 PM in the galvanizing hall of the company, prompting the professional fire department to trigger a major alarm shortly thereafter. There was heavy smoke development.

The fire was brought under control in the early morning hours, but hotspots continued to flare up intermittently. “We are now close to ‘fire out,'” said Fire Director Werner Kloiber of the Salzburg Professional Fire Department to the APA around 9:30 AM. The cause of the fire was initially unknown. According to early information, a technical defect may have triggered the blaze.

Acid containers severely damaged

The fire was particularly challenging for the fire department due to the chemicals stored in the company. Containers for caustic soda, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid had partially burst or had to be secured. According to Kloiber, “several tens of thousands of liters” of acid and lye are believed to have leaked out. A disposal company began the work in the morning to pump out the chemicals. It is also being clarified whether contaminated soil in the vicinity of the hall needs to be removed and where watercourses are located. They are in close coordination with the authorities.

Preparations were quickly made in case more chemicals leaked, but this was not the case, according to Kloiber. “There was no danger to the public.” Since the smoke plume was carried towards Anif by the wind, nearby residents were initially asked to keep their windows closed as a precaution.

Alpenstraße temporarily completely closed

More than a dozen employees were able to bring themselves to safety from the galvanizing hall, with two people sustaining minor injuries. Three firefighters also suffered “minor burns” from leaking acid despite their protective gear during the firefighting efforts. However, after being examined in the hospital, they were released.

The firefighting efforts were further complicated as the firefighters initially had to lay a water line to the nearby Salzach River. Around 150 personnel from the professional and volunteer fire departments, with 25 vehicles, were involved in the operation. Additionally, a large number of rescue and police personnel were on-site. The Alpenstraße, which runs past the company premises, was initially completely closed, but by the early morning hours, two of the four lanes were reopened to traffic.

Maco – formally Mayer Co Beschläge GmbH – manufactures fittings for windows and doors, as well as offering system and security solutions. The family-owned company is headquartered in Salzburg.