Alarming statistics: 85 fires at waste facilities
For the period 2024–2026, 85 fires were recorded at waste treatment facilities in the country, with 55 of them occurring at regional landfills. Data from the Ministry of Environment and Water reveals that repeated incidents were recorded at 12 of the landfills, with four fires reported at three locations.
"Strict adherence to technological requirements during landfill operations is a key factor in limiting the risk of fires," the Ministry of Environment emphasizes.
Main causes of the incidents
- Technological failures: The lack of timely covering with soil and compaction of waste leads to oxygen access and self-heating processes.
- Lithium-ion batteries: Their improper disposal in household containers is emerging as a critical risk, triggering thermal reactions.
- External factors: Spread of fire from surrounding areas due to dry vegetation, strong winds, and unregulated pollution.
Measures taken
The Regional Inspectorates (RIEW) have sent instructions to all operators and municipal mayors to conduct emergency inspections and cleaning of the sites. The goal is the prevention of future incidents, such as the one a few days ago near the village of Rakitnitsa in the Stara Zagora region, which affected a large area.