Smoke from the fire at the landfill in Tsalapitsa village which broke out last night over an area of around 1.6 hectares, has filled the air over Bulgaria’s second biggest city – Plovdiv.  

The mobile stations of the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water have registered a seven-fold increase in particulate matter levels, deputy mayor of environment and healthcare Ivan Stoyanov said.

People in Plovdiv are advised to keep their windows closed. Pregnant women, people with heart conditions and young children should remain indoors, those going outdoors are advised to wear masks.

The efforts to put out the fire at the landfill continue. The fire has been contained and is expected to be extinguished today.

Meanwhile, Regional Governor Hristina Yancheva has convened the regional crisis headquarters.