Arinsal Fire Deemed Accidental from Electrical Fault; La Massana Schedules Post-Easter Cleanup Talks

**Arinsal Fire Ruled Accidental from Electrical Fault; La Massana Plans Cleanup Meetings After Easter**

Authorities have determined that the fire at the former Arinsal water bottling plant stemmed from an electrical fault, classifying it as accidental, though parts of the investigation continue. The incident started on Wednesday evening and was fully extinguished by Saturday at 1pm, following checks on lingering hot spots. Firefighters returned that evening to monitor smoke, ruling out any danger to the public despite unstable interiors preventing access. Rain from Thursday midday helped cool the area, with further efforts Friday evening at 5pm and 10:45pm to suppress embers. External structures hold firm, but the site remains sealed under judicial order while scientific police complete their examination.

Architect Pau Iglesias noted that flames spread mainly across building roofs, not facades or interiors. A ventilated roof design blocked direct firefighter access, while strong winds supplied oxygen, boosted intensity, and scattered embers widely.

Most businesses across the road shut until Friday over fumes and decontamination needs, though the main route reopened Thursday evening. Operators expected to resume Saturday, relying on force majeure coverage, even as some hotels moved guests and others advised caution. Lingering smells and weather could affect early tourist traffic.

La Massana council aims to clear the site quickly once the Batllia permits entry, with major consellera Eva Sansa describing its current state as undesirable. She announced plans for upcoming meetings with Causes Pies—co-managed by the council and Urgell diocese as landowners—and Aigua Pura executives, owned by Belarusian resident Anton Yarashuk, plus Arinsal quarter representatives holding water rights. These discussions, likely after Easter, seek solutions to the 4,000-square-metre parcel's issues. Annual lease payments of €60,000 from Aigua Pura fund social initiatives, including El Petit Príncep nursery. The 2017 contract spans 45 years to 2062, covering land, structures, and water extraction.

Aigua Pura director Sandra Martín confirmed fire and flood insurance was current, after over €15 million invested in water and beer facilities. Insurers now assess damage amid competing interests. Martín previously said permits were filed and operations imminent, though she questioned delays despite a new water intake—upgrades on the 2016-problematic one.

Health ministry sources clarified the inter-ministerial technical commission for human water consumption had processed the application: a first information request was met, but a second remained pending at the time of the fire. Officials cited data protection and the site's judicial status for limited details. Restarting the plant now appears unlikely, with no formal talks yet between owners and lessees. Neighbors acknowledge the substantial outlay, though some describe company leaders' conduct as unconventional.

Sansa emphasized it's too soon for repurposing ideas like community spaces or homes, pending lease and insurance resolutions.