Firefighters battle smouldering electronics at Širvintos collection point

Firefighters were called to a fire at a household appliance collection point in Širvintos on Tuesday afternoon, LRT reported. No open flames were visible, but equipment inside the hangar was smouldering and the building was filled with thick smoke.

Edita Zdanevičienė, a representative of Lithuania’s Fire Protection and Rescue Department, said emergency services received the report at 12:38 p.m. The fire broke out at the collection point on Kalnalaukio Street, where used household appliances were stored in a lightweight tent hangar.

Five fire engines with water tanks are fighting the fire. Firefighters are using respiratory protective equipment.

Residents living within one kilometre of the fire were sent an emergency warning about possible air pollution. They were advised to avoid staying outdoors and to close their windows.

The Širvintos District Municipality also urged residents to close their windows and shutters and, if possible, avoid visiting this part of the city. It said the fire occurred at 6A Kalnalaukio Street.