A significant fire broke out at the landfill in Tsalapitsa, alarming residents and prompting immediate action from local authorities. Fire brigade teams are currently on-site, working to control the blaze, which has already affected air quality in nearby areas.
Key Takeaways
- Fire at Tsalapitsa landfill reported, with fire brigade teams deployed.
- Residents in Plovdiv and Stamboliyski experiencing foul odors.
- Air quality monitoring initiated due to potential smog risks.
- Previous incidents of fires at the landfill raise concerns.
Incident Overview
The landfill in Tsalapitsa, which serves six municipalities including Plovdiv, Stamboliyski, Peruštitsa, Rodopi, and Maritsa, caught fire early in the morning. The blaze has generated a noticeable smell that has spread to the surrounding areas, raising alarms among local residents.
Air Quality Concerns
In response to the fire, the Municipality of Plovdiv has taken precautionary measures. Regional governor Hristina Yancheva has urged the Regional Inspectorate for the Environment and Water to conduct urgent air quality measurements. Although initial reports indicate that the two measuring stations are not showing elevated pollution levels, the potential for smog remains a concern.
Yancheva has recommended the following preventive measures for residents:
- Close windows to minimize indoor air pollution.
- Sensitive individuals, including pregnant women, heart patients, and small children, should remain indoors.
- Wear masks when outside to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Fire brigade teams are on duty throughout the night to manage the situation. The fire’s intensity has raised concerns about the potential for smoldering fires, which could reignite if not properly controlled. The area remains under surveillance to ensure that the fire does not spread further.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time the Tsalapitsa landfill has experienced a fire. Earlier in August, a similar incident occurred, resulting in a significant increase in fine dust particles in the air, measured at seven times above the norm. Such recurring events have led to heightened scrutiny of the landfill’s operations and safety protocols.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, local authorities are committed to monitoring air quality and ensuring the safety of residents. The community is urged to stay informed and adhere to safety recommendations as firefighting efforts continue at the Tsalapitsa landfill. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by waste management facilities in maintaining safety and environmental standards.
