Firefighters Contain Furnace Blaze at Airbus Facility Near Toulouse Airport
On September 1, 2024, a fire broke out in a furnace at Airbus’ Saint-Eloi factory near Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), prompting a swift response from local firefighters. The incident occurred at a facility crucial to Airbus’ operations, where hydraulic presses are used for metal aviation parts.
According to French media reports, the fire began around 09:30 local time in a furnace used as a hydraulic press for producing metal components. Emergency teams from the Haute-Garonne Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 31) quickly responded to the scene, coordinating with Airbus’ own firefighting unit to contain the blaze.
Approximately 20 firefighters and five fire engines from the Toulouse-Delrieu, Lougnon, and Toulouse-Atlanta stations were dispatched to the site. Their efforts focused on preventing the fire from spreading and controlling the temperature rise within the facility. “Two hoses were used to limit the temperature rise and prevent the spread,” the Haute-Garonne fire service reported.
Airbus confirmed the fire in a statement to La Depeche, acknowledging that the situation was brought under control thanks to the prompt intervention of the SDIS 31 teams.
The Saint-Eloi factory plays a vital role in Airbus’ production process, particularly in the manufacturing of pylons that integrate jet engines onto the wings of all Airbus aircraft families. This facility is integral to the overall operations at Airbus’ Toulouse base, which serves as the final assembly point for several major aircraft lines, including the A320, A330, A350, and A380 families.
Toulouse is a central hub for Airbus, with the city housing the final assembly lines for its commercial aircraft. The quick and effective response to the fire ensured that operations at this critical site could continue with minimal disruption. The incident highlights the importance of robust safety measures and the collaboration between local emergency services and industrial teams in protecting vital aerospace infrastructure.
While the fire was a significant event, the coordinated efforts of the firefighters ensured that it was contained swiftly, minimizing potential damage to the facility and allowing Airbus to maintain its crucial role in global aircraft production.
Related news: https://www.airguide.info/?s=airbus
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airbus.com, AFP.com