( CNN ) -- A foul-smelling cloud wound its way through Argentina 's capital Thursday , but it was not toxic as initially feared , officials said . Civil defense authorities in Buenos Aires advised residents to remain indoors with windows and doors shut as a cloud emanated from a container fire at the city 's port . The smelly cloud and reports that the burning container had chemicals inside caused alarm throughout the capital . But it was quickly determined that the fumes were not dangerous . The container held sodium bicarbonate and posed little risk to the population , the country 's security secretary , Sergio Berni , said . `` We implemented the emergency plan ; the situation is under control , '' he said . Nonetheless , the cloud was enough to disrupt the subway system in Argentina 's largest city .
A container fire releases fumes originally feared to be toxic . Officials say the fumes posed little risk to the population . The incident causes some disruptions in Buenos Aires .