A large fire broke out on Friday morning at a recycling and waste management facility in the Sindos Industrial Zone, west of Thessaloniki, prompting authorities to issue an emergency alert due to hazardous smoke.
The blaze started around 9:30 a.m. local time in the facility’s outdoor storage area, Greece’s fire service said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Burning materials include waste, wooden pallets, and tires – a combination that produces thick, toxic smoke. Fire crews, supported by significant ground forces, were dispatched to the scene in an effort to contain the flames.
The Civil Protection Authority issued a 112 emergency alert warning residents in the area to stay indoors and seal their homes.
“Dangerous smoke. Remain indoors. Keep doors and windows closed. Follow the instructions of the authorities,” the message read.
As of Friday afternoon, firefighting efforts were ongoing and the fire had not been fully contained. No injuries were immediately reported.
The incident follows a series of summer fires across Greece, where high temperatures and flammable industrial materials have increased the risk of blazes.