Fire in Riga Port: Scrap Metal Pile Burning; Residents Urged to Close Windows
A fire has broken out at a 30,000-tonne scrap metal pile at Meldru iela 3 in Riga Port. Residents are advised to stay indoors and seal windows due to smoke.
Incident
A fire erupted in a scrap metal pile at Meldru iela 3 in the port area of Riga. The pile contains approximately 30,000 tonnes of scrap metal. According to initial information, the fire may have been caused by extreme heat and sparks generated during machinery operations.
Response
More than 30 firefighters are on site, with four tanker trucks and two aerial ladder trucks deployed. An operational staff has been established, including representatives from the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), State Police, Port Police, and the facility's operators.
To limit the spread of pollutants, booms are being placed in a branch of the Daugava River, as large amounts of untreated firefighting runoff are flowing into the river's waters.
Public Safety
Residents of Vecmilgravis and Vecaki, upon noticing the smell of smoke, are urged to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation and recuperation systems. They are advised not to stay outdoors.
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