Jacuzzi Plant Explodes Into Flames
PoolAndSpa.com News
08/13/2018
Jacuzzi Plant Explodes Into Flames – According to Mexican TV News, the Tijuana Fire Department office in Mexico reports that the massive Jacuzzi Hot Tub manufacturing plant located in Tijuana burst into flames late in the day on Saturday 08/11/2018. As of Monday 08/13/2018, the majority of the fire has been controlled.
Mexican TV News also reported that although all the employees had to be evacuated, no deaths or injuries have been reported. Some of the cement walls actually collapsed during the blaze. Huge black clouds of potentially toxic fumes spread throughout the surrounding areas. Residents and other workers in the area were told to keep their doors and windows of their homes and businesses closed, and to avoid walking in the nearby streets so as not to inhale the smoke from the fierce burning fire.
More heavy machinery will have to be brought into the area for the clean up, after the area has been deemed safe. The cause of the fire is unknown at this point.
It is believed that this hot tub manufacturing location is one of the larger Jacuzzi plants, since they moved many of their manufacturing operations from California to Tijuana, Mexico a few years ago. Jacuzzi manufacturers Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, Sundance Spas, ThermoSpas and Dimension One Spas, although it is unclear as to which brands are produced in this facility.
Here is the statement about the incident from Jacuzzi:
A fire occurred in the rear of the company’s Tijuana factory on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time. Thankfully, no injuries were reported on-site. Three employees conducting routine maintenance were present, evacuated and alerted first responders. The fire was contained by Saturday at approximately 6:00 p.m. Jacuzzi is working with outside experts to determine the cause of the fire.
An official statement issued by Jacuzzi Senior Vice President of Marketing Ed Sofia indicates the damage should not dramatically impair production.
He reports that “Some manufacturing equipment and supplies were damaged. The majority of the company’s production capabilities remain intact. The front portion of the factory was inspected, granted a license to operate by the Tijuana Fire Department and was up and running again within two business days. Jacuzzi is grateful for the rapid action of the first responders and for the health and well being of our local team.”
About Jacuzzi – Jacuzzi is a manufacturer and distributor of bath and hot tub products, based in Chino Hills, CA. It operates factories in Europe, South America, Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Here is a video of the fire as it was happening:
