On Sunday morning, the Fire Department of Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, mandated the evacuation of residents from a neighborhood due to the imminent threat of an explosion. This precautionary measure comes after a technical assessment by the Hazardous Materials Operations Group, which identified serious risks associated with a previous incident in the area. The firefighters have determined a safe zone of 300 meters around the site to ensure resident safety while operations are carried out to manage the situation.

The evacuation aims to protect local residents during critical procedures, particularly the transfer of remaining materials from a tank that poses a danger if disturbed. Local authorities have mobilized various teams, including the Civil Defense and the Municipal Environment Secretary's office, to support the firefighter operations and manage the incident effectively. This coordinated response underscores the urgent need to ensure community safety in situations involving hazardous materials.

As the situation develops, the authorities are working diligently to mitigate risks and prevent any potential hazards from escalating. The incident reflects broader concerns regarding safety protocols in industrial areas and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in managing environmental and public safety in the wake of such accidents.