Fire breaks out at appliance collection point in Širvintos

A fire broke out at a household appliance collection point in Širvintos on Tuesday afternoon, prompting warnings about possible air pollution, LRT reported.

There were no open flames at the scene, but appliances stored inside a hangar were smouldering and firefighting operations were continuing, the Fire and Rescue Department said.

Firefighters received the report at 12:38 p.m. The collection point is on Kalnalaukio Street. The building is a lightweight tent hangar filled with used household appliances, and it was full of thick smoke.

Five fire engines were sent to the scene, and firefighters were using respiratory protection equipment. Residents within one kilometre of the fire were sent an emergency warning advising them to avoid being outdoors and to close their windows.

The Širvintos District Municipality also urged residents to close their windows and shutters and, if possible, avoid visiting that part of the city. The fire started at 6A Kalnalaukio Street, according to the municipality.