Large fire at Melci landfill near Kavadarci sends toxic smoke cloud
Mayor Mitko Janchev says there are indications the blaze was started by human action; firefighters are working to contain it.
A large fire erupted at the Melci landfill near Kavadarci this afternoon, sending a thick, toxic cloud of smoke into the sky as multiple firefighting teams from TPPE Kavadarci responded to the scene. The incident was reported by Kavadarci's mayor, Mitko Janchev, on Facebook.
"According to initial information from the field, there are indications that the fire was caused by human factors. The competent services will determine the circumstances of its occurrence," Janchev wrote.
Firefighting teams working to contain blaze
Fire crews remained on site and were working actively to bring the flames under control and to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas. Local authorities described the smoke as a hazardous plume and warned residents about air quality near the landfill.
"The Municipality of Kavadarci is monitoring the situation, and the teams will remain engaged until the fire is completely localized. An appeal to citizens not to approach the site of the fire and to follow the instructions of the competent services," Janchev added.
Video footage shared from the scene shows dense smoke rising above the landfill. Municipal officials said response teams will stay deployed until the situation is fully resolved and urged people to avoid the area and heed safety instructions.
Photo: Mitko Janchev / Fejsbuk
