Fire broke out around 6:30 am on a stockpile of 200 tonnes of rubber in a 4,000-m² workshop of a rubber cable manufacturing plant. Subsequent to an uncontrolled temperature rise during the mixing of various inputs in the rubber preparation process, the mix spontaneously ignited at the mixer output when placed on the conveyor belt transporting rubber from the internal mixer to the external unit. Arriving at the scene 20 min after being called, fire-fighters evacuated the personnel then proceeded by sprinkling and extinguishing the fire with 3 nozzles around 9:45 am. The fire had remained confined to the mixing shop. The smoke was not easily blown to the outside since the smoke outlets were shut closed (memo from the local fire services: the manual cartridges for controlling the opening of smoke outlets were missing), thus preventing access into the workshop for several hours. A physician examined the employees who were exposed to the intense smoke. No injuries were reported and no environmental impact recorded.

This abnormal temperature increase was due to a malfunction of the mixing room temperature probe whose air cooling system was in poor working order. This system, shared by several installations, was not delivering air at the desired temperature. The abnormally high mixer temperature caused the rubber mix to become too hot, and the mix went on to ignite when placed in contact with air.

Subsequent to this accident, the classified facilities inspectorate proposed that the Prefect issue an injunction for failure to furnish an accident report. The air cooling circuit of the probe was modified by isolating it from the remainder of the installation.