Major evacuation as fire breaks out at Oceanographic Centre in Valencia

Major evacuation as fire breaks out at Oceanographic Centre in Valencia

A FIRE near the shark enclosure at the Oceanographic Centre (Oceanografic) in Valencia this morning forced the evacuation of 1,400 staff and visitors.

Large columns of black smoke could be seen several kilometres away as the blaze took hold at an external tower next to the enclosure in the Turia region of the city at 11am.

Four teams of Valencia Bombers managed to control the flames within half an hour while two Local Police teams were on hand to assist with public safety.

Sources from the emergency services and the aquatic centre confirmed there were no injuries and no mammals or animals suffered as a result of the incident.

According to a centre spokesperson ‘the evacuation was carried out with absolute normality and the workers had recently rehearsed an emergency plan,” adding that the damage caused by the fire will now be evaluated and the area cleaned in order to open tomorrow.

The aquatic centre is part of the Arts and Science park and is the biggest aquarium in Europe and faithfully reproduces the most important marine ecosystems in a large number of specially designed habitats.

The centre will return the money to all visitors affected. Call 960 470 647.