Firefighters battle smouldering electronics at Širvintos collection point

Firefighters were battling smouldering used electronics at a household appliance collection point in the town of Širvintos on Tuesday, LRT reported. There were no open flames, but the equipment inside a lightweight tent hangar was producing thick smoke.

Edita Zdanevičienė, a representative of the Fire and Rescue Department, said firefighters received the call at 12:38 p.m. The fire was reported at the collection point on Kalnalaukio Street.

Five fire engines were sent to the scene, and firefighters were using breathing apparatus. Because of the possible air pollution, residents within a one-kilometre radius were sent an emergency warning advising them to avoid going outdoors and keep their windows closed.

The Širvintos District Municipality also urged residents to stay indoors, close windows and shutters, and, if possible, avoid this part of the town.

The municipality said the fire broke out in the territory at Kalnalaukio Street 6A. According to the latest information from the Fire and Rescue Department, extinguishing the large quantity of household equipment inside the building could take time.