A large fire broke out early Sunday, April 27, at the “Energesman” waste recycling facility in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital.
According to a Lithuanian police spokesperson, the blaze began in the plant’s waste storage area during the morning hours.
“We received a report about the fire at 7:52 a.m. Numerous fire and rescue teams are working at the scene. There is no further information yet — firefighting efforts are ongoing,” the police representative stated.
Initial reports describe thick smoke filling the facility, with the building itself engulfed in flames. Authorities said the fire started inside a two-story structure, and a security guard who notified emergency services confirmed no individuals were inside at the time. Residents across Vilnius received emergency alerts warning of a potential rise in harmful substances in the air, urging people to stay indoors and seal their windows tightly.
Vilda Baioriuniene, a spokesperson for the National Public Health Center, highlighted the health risks posed by the smoke.
“If you are outside and see dark smoke or smell a specific odor, move away against the direction of the wind to avoid exposure. Residents living closer to the fire site are advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed,” she said.
