This morning at approximately 11:14 a.m. local time, a fire started in a non-manufacturing area at the Huntsman EMA systems house in the Leather Organized Industrial Zone, Istanbul, Turkey. All employees and contractors are safe and accounted for, and monitoring for any offsite environmental impacts is underway.

The fire began in an outside area and spread to the main factory and an adjacent commercial property. Both sites have been evacuated, and the local fire service is currently working to control the blaze. Local media has reported that two firefighters were injured responding to the fire.

“Our first priority is the wellbeing of the fire crews, and of our neighbors and employees, who have been sent home for their safety,” said Steen Weien Hansen, Huntsman’s vice president for Europe, Africa, India and Middle East. 

The systems house produces polyols and blends polyols that are used in the manufacture of polyurethanes products. Huntsman reports that customers will be supplied from other company facilities, as required, and that it carries adequate insurance coverage. The company does not expect the financial impact of the fire to be material.

The company’s website is located at www.huntsman.com.