Larissa recycling plant fire contained, arson suspected after overnight battle
Over 50 firefighters battled flames and explosions at a recycling facility in Omorphochori, Larissa, from Friday evening through Saturday morning. A 112 alert warned residents of toxic smoke as investigators probe possible arson.
Fire outbreak and initial response
A fire broke out at a recycling company facility in Omorphochori, in the municipality of Kileler, Larissa, on Friday evening. Flames engulfed large piles of tires and other flammable materials, sending dense black smoke north toward the city of Larissa. By Saturday morning, firefighting forces had managed to confine the fire to the business premises, preventing it from spreading to nearby enterprises and farmland. The village of Omorphochori, located roughly 500 metres from the site, was not immediately threatened.
More than 50 firefighters with 22 vehicles, four municipal water tankers, and earth-moving machinery initially responded. On Saturday morning, 37 firefighters remained on site with 15 water tankers, a special crane vehicle, and additional support from local authority tankers and heavy equipment. A 112 emergency alert was activated at 22:46 on Friday, urging residents to take self-protection measures due to heavy toxic smoke.
Explosions complicate firefighting
Throughout the night, firefighters faced the added danger of repeated explosions from propane canisters and other flammable materials stored on the premises. These blasts increased the risk of rekindling and hampered containment efforts. Authorities noted that the absence of strong winds aided their work, but the burning tyre piles continued to smoulder.
The fire service confirmed that full extinguishment would take several days given the nature of the burning materials. Despite the containment, heavy smoke remained visible for kilometres, and anxious residents came out onto the streets to monitor the situation.
- Fire breaks out at recycling facility in Omorphochori, Larissa, engulfing piles of tires and flammable materials.
- 112 emergency alert activated, warning residents about toxic smoke and advising self-protection measures.
- Fire contained to business premises; 37 firefighters continue damping down with 15 water tankers. Investigation into arson underway.
Arson investigation launched
Relatives of the facility owner have claimed the fire was deliberately set. They stated that the owner and his wife were staying in a hut inside the business grounds when the fire started. In response, a Fire Service investigative team for arson crimes arrived on site and has begun a preliminary inquiry into the cause of the blaze. The possibility of arson is being formally examined alongside the technical investigation.
