The Ertzaintza has arrested a 36-year-old man of Spanish nationality, accused of being involved in the fire that originated at the Smurfit Kappa Nervión paper mill in Iurreta. According to the investigation conducted by the Basque Police, the detainee reportedly has an employment relationship with the company. He is charged with an alleged crime of damage by fire, and the investigation remains open, with further actions not ruled out.

Last Friday, a significant fire broke out outside the Smurfit Kappa Nervión plant, which specializes in producing pulp for sacks and bags. Sources from the Bizkaia Fire Department reported that approximately fifty paper reels, stacked outside the facility, caught fire, creating a dense plume of smoke visible from a considerable distance.

The fire started after 5:30 PM and, due to the size of the flames, necessitated the closure of the N-634 road in both directions. Firefighters from Iurreta and Basauri worked until past midnight to extinguish the blaze. During the incident, company employees were present at the plant, though none required medical assistance.

Smurfit Kappa Nervión annually produces 160,000 tons of Kraft paper from local pine wood, which is 100% renewable and certified. This paper is used in many everyday applications, including sacks for construction materials, animal feed, flour, supermarket bags, and packaging, as well as other industrial uses. The company, employing over 240 people, operates two paper machines, a biomass cogeneration unit that generates more than 75% of its own consumption, and serves over 300 clients across more than 50 countries.