The plant, which represents an investment of $60 million, began operations in June 2020
A major fire has destroyed a processing plant in southern Chile operated jointly by salmon producer Blumar and Multiexport.
The fire broke out at the ‘Entre Vientos’ salmon processing facility in Punta Arenas on Sunday, according to local media reports.
The plant, located in the Ruta 9 Norte sector near the city’s entrance, experienced the blaze in its warehouse area.
The fire reportedly started during work operations due to a spark in one of the warehouses. The incident prompted an extensive response, with 95% of the city’s volunteer firefighters attending the scene. As a precaution, the surrounding community was evacuated for safety.
The ‘Entre Vientos’ plant, a joint venture between Blumar and Multiexport Foods, is a key facility in the region, employing around 500 people. The plant, which represents an investment of $60 million, began operations in June 2020. Its opening was delayed from the initially planned March 2020 start due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the significant efforts to control the fire, the incident caused considerable damage to the affected warehouse. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the plant workers or emergency responders.
Multiexport Executive President Jose Ramon Gutierrez Arrivillaga said on Monday that damage to the Entrevientos plant was extensive and that the site would be closed until further notice.
