Arinsal Businesses Remain Closed After Water Plant Fire Due to Fumes

Most businesses opposite the former Arinsal water bottling plant stayed closed through Friday, heeding safety advice over persistent fumes and required decontamination. Owners pointed to prolonged smoke exposure and prior road blockages as factors curtailing operations, even at spots with back terraces. Several carry insurance for such force majeure disruptions. The main road fully reopened late Thursday, but some had underestimated the Wednesday night fire's extent until the next day.

Operators lamented the facility's destruction, viewing it as a local icon despite close worker relationships and tours of its recent upgrades. Aigua Pura, which invested more than €15 million in equipment for water and beer production, has not commented on viability issues. The site, leased since 2017 from Causes Pies—tied to La Massana council and the Urgell diocese—and Arinsal's water rights holder, remains valid until 2062.

Firefighters declared the blaze out on Thursday at 1pm after addressing hot spots, with rain aiding cooling. They revisited Friday at 5pm and 10:45pm to dampen embers and monitor smoke, confirming no external hazards despite internal collapse risks preventing entry. The site stays under judicial seal for investigation. Preliminary findings indicate an accidental electrical cause, though full confirmation awaits loose ends.

La Massana's lead councillor, Eva Sansa, called Friday for swift parcel cleanup, deeming its state unappealing. She announced plans to summon Causes Pies representatives and Aigua Pura executives—once authorities permit access—for talks on next steps, prioritizing insurance evaluations given the high stakes. Aigua Pura director Sandra Martín confirmed adequate fire and flood coverage per contract. Sansa stressed it is premature to discuss repurposing, such as communal facilities or housing, amid the long-term lease.

The company has offered no response to claims that Andorra's technical consumer commission sought essential documents—including a hydrological study—six months prior, with no submission. This challenges earlier assertions of near-operational readiness pending only a water extraction permit. Involved ministries review such materials for safety and environmental safeguards.

Residents along the road complained of uneven aid, with relocation offered solely to one hotel's guests facing uninhabitable air, while locals got only stay-indoors guidance. Owners expect Saturday reopening barring setbacks, anticipating initial visitor curiosity tempered by weather and odors.