Smoke over Sofia: What is the cause of the unpleasant smell?

Smoke and smell of burning in Sofia

Sofia Municipality informs citizens that at this moment there is no evidence of fires on the territory of Sofia. Inspections by the "Emergency Assistance and Prevention" Directorate and data from the 112 emergency line confirm the absence of fire outbreaks in the region.

The reason for the smoke is the transport of a smoke cloud from a large forest fire on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, carried by the wind over the Sofia Valley.

Air quality and measures taken

• A mobile automatic measuring station has been positioned on "Tsar Osvoboditel" Blvd. for constant monitoring.
• At the current moment, measurements do not show exceedances of the standard limits for key air quality indicators.

Recommendations to citizens

As a preventive measure, Sofia Municipality advises:

• Keep the windows of your homes and offices closed until the smoke dissipates.
• Vulnerable groups (children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with chronic illnesses) should limit their time outdoors and physical activity.

Municipal teams remain on the ground and will continue to inform the public if the situation changes.