Valencia citrus packer Fontesad has spoken of its gratitude to workers, customers and competitors as well as the regional authorities after fire swept through its premises last week. “We would also like to highlight our gratitude to the emergency services that acted so promptly,” the company said in a statement.

All 250 workers in the packhouse at the time of the fire at midday on 10 May were evacuated safely inline with Fontestad’s emergency procedures and only five needed to be treated for smoke inhalation. Fire-fighters were able to contain the fire to the packing lines and prevent damage to offices and laboratories.

Supplies to customers have continued uninterrupted as Fontestad is able to use an alternative packhouses until the end of the season and will have the fire-damaged facility up and running again before the new season in September.

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