6 days ago
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Several crews were dispatched to try and quash the horror fire.
16:47, Mon, Jul 6, 2026 Updated: 16:47, Mon, Jul 6, 2026
(file picture) The fire erupted near the runway at Palma Airport (Image: Getty)
A fire has erupted near an airport where millions of Brits flock every summer. A blaze seemingly involving multiple vehicles erupted at Mercapalma, a wholesale fresh food market located just a few minutes' drive from Palma Airport, on the Balearic island of Palma.
Local news outlets report the fire protection plan has been activated at the airport, amid concerns the blaze may be spreading towards its runway. As the fire erupted, thick black smoke rose from the outside area of the market, and could be seen from miles on the island.
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Video shows scale of smoke plume
A video shared on X captures the scale of the fire burning at the Mercapalma wholesale food market, showing a huge plume of thick black smoke rising high into the sky.
The smoke can be seen from a considerable distance.
The person who shared the footage wrote:
"A fire in a truck at Mercapalma has triggered alarm at Palma Airport due to the large column of smoke. Right now, firefighters are at the scene trying to extinguish the flames."
Un incendio en un cami\u00f3n en Mercapalma ha provocado la alarma en el aeropuerto de Palma por la gran columna de humo. Ahora mismo est\u00e1n los bomberos en el lugar tratando de sofocar las llamas. pic.twitter.com/iz1oz95qMT
\u2014 Guillermo Esteban (@GuillEsteban) July 6, 2026Two firefighters treated for smoke inhalation
Two firefighters have reportedly been treated for smoke inhalation as crews continue battling the blaze at the Mercapalma wholesale food market.
Son Banya residents urged to stay indoors
Residents in the nearby village of Son Banya have been advised to remain inside their homes as firefighters continue battling the blaze.
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, people living in the area have been asked not to leave their homes as the fire spreads in their direction.
Emergency crews remain at the scene working to bring the blaze under control.
Village of Son Banya (Image: Google)
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Witnesses report hearing explosions
Several witnesses have reported hearing a number of explosions after the fire broke out.
Local reports also state that thick black smoke could be seen rising from the site and was visible from several locations across Palma as emergency crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
How close is the fire to Palma Airport?
The Mercapalma wholesale food market is located immediately next to Palma Airport, with the site sitting just beyond the airport perimeter. By road, the market is around 2.5km from the main terminal – roughly a six-minute drive.
Its close proximity to the runways prompted authorities to activate Palma Airport's fire protection plan as firefighters battled the blaze. Despite this, no disruption to flights has been reported so far.
Proximity of the Mercapalma wholesale food market next to the Palma airport (Image: Google)
Fire spread from lorry to other vehicles
The fire is believed to have started in a lorry at the Mercapalma wholesale food market.
It then spread to other vehicles, including at least one nearby trailer.
Palma Airport placed on pre-alert
Palma Airport has been placed on pre-alert after a serious fire broke out at the Mercapalma main food storage plant this afternoon.
The airport's emergency measures were activated because of the blaze's proximity to the runways. Despite the incident, there has been no reported disruption to flights so far as emergency crews continue to tackle the fire.
Terminal of Palma de Mallorca airport (PMI) in Spain. (Image: Getty Images)
Welcome to our live coverage
Welcome to our live coverage as a major fire burns near Palma Airport in Mallorca.
Thick black smoke has been seen billowing from a blaze at the Mercapalma wholesale food market, with the airport's fire protection plan activated amid concerns the flames could spread towards the runway.
We will bring you mpre updates as they arrive.
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