The fire that broke out in the Panorama residential area of Kato Kifissia, north of Athens, on Wednesday, June 12, at a cookware manufacturing factory named PAL resulted in toxic gases being released into the air, according to reports.
The fire reportedly started in the afternoon following an explosion with Greece’s Citizen Protection Ministry sending warning text messages via the 112 emergency number, advising residents to stay indoors and close all windows.
The emergency response included eighteen vehicles, fifty firefighters, and a helicopter. The fire was brought under control by the evening, preventing it from spreading to nearby businesses, and no casualties were reported by the police.
Palamidis SA, the company operating the factory, has been a significant player in the Greek market for nearly 80 years. It specializes in manufacturing stainless steel cookware and employs approximately 130 workers as of 2022. The company is owned by Vasilis Palamidis, husband of former Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga.
In addition to its primary focus on cookware, Palamidis SA engages in commercial activities by representing the South Korean brand Glasslock, known for its glass food containers, and outsourcing part of its product line to third parties. The company also develops production activities in food packaging, exporting to Cyprus, Italy, and Balkan countries.
