Five Recycling Containers Destroyed in Playa Blanca Fire as Thick Smoke Drifts Across Beach
Holidaymakers enjoying an afternoon on the beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, were met with dramatic scenes on Friday (24 July) after a fire involving five recycling and storage containers sent a large plume of thick black smoke into the sky.
The incident happened on Calle Palangre in the municipality of Yaiza, close to the seafront, with the smoke visible from nearby beaches and surrounding areas. Witnesses reported that many beachgoers looked on as emergency services quickly responded to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighters Quickly Brought the Blaze Under Control
When firefighters arrived, they found the fire fully developed. According to emergency reports, the flames had spread to:
- Three glass recycling containers.
- Two metal storage cages used for cardboard.
Fire crews established an attack line using water to extinguish the fire before cooling the surrounding materials to eliminate any remaining hotspots and reduce the risk of the fire reigniting.
Nearby Homes Affected by Smoke
Although no injuries have been reported, the dense smoke affected two nearby homes. Firefighters ventilated the properties after extinguishing the blaze, allowing them to be safely reoccupied once air quality had improved.
A final thermal and visual inspection of the area was also carried out to ensure there were no hidden hotspots or lingering fire risks before emergency crews left the scene.
Police and Civil Guard Assisted at the Scene
Officers from the Local Police and the Civil Guard were also present throughout the incident, helping to secure the area and support firefighters while the operation was underway.
At this stage, the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed.
Advice for Residents and Tourists
While the incident was brought under control relatively quickly, it serves as a reminder that fires involving waste and recycling containers can produce large amounts of thick, toxic smoke. If you encounter a similar situation in Lanzarote:
- Stay well away from the smoke plume.
- Follow any instructions given by emergency services.
- Avoid driving or walking through affected areas if access is restricted.
- Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 112, the Canary Islands emergency number.
Fortunately, thanks to the swift response from Lanzarote’s emergency services, the fire was contained before it spread beyond the affected containers.
