Fire at the BRT in Milan, open investigation.

Milano has been gripped by a major incident following an intense fire at a logistics center operated by the BRT (Brescia-Roma-Torino) company in the Bovisa district. The blaze, which began late in the afternoon on Tuesday, quickly escalated into a large-scale emergency, prompting immediate action from local authorities, emergency services, and environmental agencies. The situation remains volatile as concerns grow over potential explosions involving two containers still burning on-site, particularly due to their contents—electric bicycles whose batteries could pose a risk. In response, the city has issued urgent advisories urging residents to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor activities, reflecting both the severity of the incident and its broader implications for public health and safety.

The fire originated in a container located within a warehouse complex on Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, near a university area and close to the Politecnico di Milano campus. According to initial reports, the flames spread rapidly from the container to one of the main storage buildings where goods were awaiting delivery. While the administrative offices of the facility, housed in a separate building, remained unaffected, the scale of the disaster was evident from the outset. A dense column of black smoke rose above the neighborhood, visible even from surrounding areas, and residents captured images of flames bursting from the wide side windows of the structure. Multiple explosions were heard during the early stages of the fire, raising fears among nearby witnesses about the presence of workers inside the building. Despite these concerns, no casualties have been officially confirmed so far.

Emergency responders, including five firefighting teams supported by additional units from Monza, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. The operation involved extinguishing numerous hotspots and preventing the fire from reaching other vehicles still connected to loading ramps. The affected area spans approximately 8,000 square meters, highlighting the extensive nature of the destruction. Throughout the night, firefighters continued their efforts, focusing on cooling down the remaining containers, especially because they contained electric bicycles. The concern stems from the possibility that the lithium-ion batteries in these bikes might ignite or explode under high heat conditions, posing a serious threat to nearby structures and individuals.

In light of the ongoing risks, local authorities have implemented precautionary measures aimed at protecting the community’s health. Residents within a two-kilometer radius have been advised to remain indoors, avoid opening windows, and refrain from consuming produce grown in nearby gardens or balconies. Children have also been warned to stay away from schools, playgrounds, and public green spaces. These recommendations are based on air quality assessments conducted by the Lombardy Environmental Protection Agency (Arpa Lombardia), which detected elevated levels of pollutants in the vicinity of the fire site. The advisory will remain in effect until further evaluations are completed or new directives are issued by health officials.

The Milan prosecutor's office has launched an investigation to determine the exact causes of the fire and assess whether the materials stored in the warehouse contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Although there is currently no confirmation of hazardous substances being involved, the authorities have opted for a cautious approach, extending the health warnings for another day. This decision underscores the need for vigilance, given the potential for secondary hazards such as chemical releases or structural instability.

As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the local population while working to mitigate the environmental impact of the fire. With more than 50 firefighters deployed, including specialized equipment and personnel, the response effort reflects the seriousness of the crisis. Meanwhile, the community watches closely, aware that the days ahead may bring further developments in this unfolding story of industrial fire and urban resilience.