A fire in a naphthalene tower at the Química del Nalón factory in Trubia (Oviedo) this afternoon, created a toxic cloud which left people in the neighbouring towns confined to their homes.

The emergency services asked residents of Trubia, Godos, Sograndio, Las Caldas and San Juan de Priorio, all of which come under the council of Oviedo, to stay in their houses and to keep their doors and windows shut.

Residents were also advised to block any gaps in window and doors with damp cloths, to remain calm and to be on the alert for information from the media.

A local Guardia Civil spokesperson informed the media at 18.45 hours that a level one Emergency Plan had been put into operation as a result of the huge column of smoke caused by the burning of 500 tonnes of naphthalene and which can affect the respiratory organs.

The Guardia Civil also set up roadblocks preventing anybody from entering the area and suspended rail services between Trubia and Collanzo.

The company's own firefighters were assisted by firefighters from Oviedo and from the emergency 112 service, ambulances, local and traffic police officers as well as the Guardia Civil's specialist Environmental Protection squad - SEPRONA.

No injuries have been reported so far as a result of the fire.