Massive Fire Destroys Refurbished Aigües d'Arinsal Bottling Plant in Arinsal

Firefighters from 10 units, involving around 40 personnel, continued Thursday tackling hotspots at the former Aigües d'Arinsal bottling plant in Arinsal, where a blaze that started around 6:45pm Wednesday gutted the entire 4,000 sqm complex of three linked buildings recently refurbished by Russian-backed Aigua Pura investors.

Residents spotted smoke rising from the chimney and roof, triggering an initial callout of two fire crews, including a Santa Coloma ladder truck, alongside police who closed one lane for access. Gusts up to 95km/h drove flames through the double-layered roof, featuring a false ceiling over six-metre-high interiors that prevented internal access. Crews attempted roof cuts but switched to defensive tactics around 1am Thursday as the structure collapsed, unleashing towering flames. Fire chief Jordi Farré noted the building's design and winds as key challenges during shifts exceeding 14 hours.

The site, active since 1972, had received €15 million in upgrades, with all bottling equipment in place pending health ministry approval for water extraction. Aigua Pura director Sandra Martín confirmed total loss, surpassing early concerns limited to the warehouse area. Teams deployed an excavator Thursday afternoon to raze the unstable village-side facade—and possibly more—to douse embers and stabilise the area.

No injuries occurred in the vacant facility. Dense smoke prompted evacuation of 35 guests from 16 rooms at Hotel Montané and nearby aparthotel occupants, relocated by Red Cross to Hotel Sant Gothard. Locals faced stay-at-home orders, advised to close windows, use masks against fumes, and minimise outings. Upper Arinsal endured water cuts as crews drew from mains; Massana consols Eva Sansa and Roger Fité urged patience amid prolonged disruptions.

The main road stayed closed over collapse dangers, overseen by police and traffic agents. A pedestrian bridge by Princesa Parc hotel offered access; from 2pm Thursday, escorted convoys ran every two hours for northbound vehicles. The ski area remained closed under restrictions.

Head of Government Xavier Espot and Interior Minister Ester Molné inspected the site Thursday morning near a command post by Princesa Parc, with Farré and police chief Bruno Lasne, who used a drone. Espot called the structure "ruinous and irrecoverable" due to its build, renovations, and winds, while commending firefighters, police, Civil Protection, Red Cross, and local teams for containment. Sansa voiced "impotence" at losing a site of deep sentimental value to La Massana.

Police, firefighters, and industry officials will jointly probe causes once safe, focusing initially on a newly installed electrical panel. No arson evidence has emerged. Over 30 officers aided security, evacuations, and logistics. Operations persisted Thursday aiming for partial road reopening; Civil Protection concluded on-site duties by evening, with reduced crews—nine firefighters plus an officer until 9pm, then a night watch—continuing monitoring alongside police. Authorities expect normal traffic resumption overnight if conditions hold, though smoke and embers may linger.