Preliminary investigation launched into waste management fire at Žalvaris company

A pre-trial investigation has been opened following a fire at the waste management company Žalvaris in Kaunas, Lithuania’s Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė confirmed on Tuesday.

The probe will examine potential violations under two articles of the Criminal Code: destruction of another’s property in a generally dangerous manner and breaches of environmental protection rules that posed a risk to the environment, Grunskienė told reporters at the Seimas.

The fire, which broke out on Monday at the company’s facility, was fully extinguished by firefighters at approximately 8:23 PM. According to emergency responders, the blaze covered an area of 200 square metres, where stored waste had ignited. No injuries were reported.

Local residents received mobile alerts warning of possible air pollution due to the incident.