A fire in the port of Naples triggers environmental inspections by ARPAC.

A large fire broke out today aboard the GNV Phoenix ferry, docked at docks 29-30 of Molo del Carmine in the port of Naples, where the vessel was undergoing maintenance. As there were no passengers on board, no injuries were reported at this time, but the emergency required a massive rescue operation and the immediate activation of environmental controls.

Arpac's intervention and air monitoring

The Campania Regional Environmental Protection Agency intervened as part of the activities of the Rescue Coordination Center convened by the Prefecture of Naples. ARPAC technicians began monitoring substances potentially released into the atmosphere following the fire, with particular attention to dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

For the surveys, a high-flow sampler was installed near the area affected by the fire. According to an initial reading of the data from the fixed air quality monitoring network, updated between 21 and 22 PM, no anomalous values ​​or concentrations of the pollutants observed were found that could be directly attributed to the fire.

Further updates on the ongoing investigations will be published on the ARPAC Campania website.

Port partially closed and naval traffic suspended

The fire brigade teams intervened immediately and are still engaged in the delicate operations of extinguishing and securing the hull.

For safety reasons and to allow rescue vessels to operate, the Port Authority has ordered a temporary closure of maritime traffic between Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa. Ships bound for Naples have been diverted or held at anchor pending the return to normal operating conditions.

Precautionary measures for citizens

Although the fire is confined to the port area, far from residential neighborhoods, the Municipality of Naples and the ASL Napoli 1 Centro have issued a public notice with some precautionary recommendations for residents.
During the evening, the Rescue Coordination Center also held an emergency meeting, convened by the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, to review the emergency management.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto, City Councilor for Health and Parks Vincenzo Santagata, representatives of the Port Authority, the Fire Brigade, the Guardia di Finanza, Dario Mirella, Director of the Naples Provincial Department of Environmental Protection and Prevention (ARPAC), Gaetano Gubitosa, General Director of ASL Napoli 1 Centro, and Giuseppe Galano, Director of Emergency Services (COE 118).

Investigations still underway

Authorities remain vigilant about the fire's progress and any potential environmental impacts. Inspections will continue in the coming hours to rule out any issues related to the dispersion of pollutants and ensure the safety of the port area and the population.