Overnight Battle Against Flames at Larissa Recycling Plant; Explosions Heard

Firefighters are engaged in an intense, overnight battle to extinguish a blaze at a recycling facility in Omochori, Larissa, Greece. The atmosphere in the area remains thick with smoke, and firefighting forces continue their relentless efforts since Saturday morning (July 11, 2026).

While the intensity of the fire has somewhat subsided, strong firefighting units persist in their mission to fully contain it. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The absence of strong winds is significantly aiding the operations, and initial assessments indicate no immediate danger to the Omochori settlement, located approximately 500 meters from the fire's origin. More than 50 firefighters, supported by 22 vehicles, municipal water tankers, and earth-moving machinery, are participating in the operation. A key priority is preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring businesses and agricultural lands.

The firefighters' work is being hampered by repeated explosions from propane tanks and other flammable materials, which increase the risk of flare-ups. Although the fire front has been contained, officials warn that complete extinguishment may take several days due to the nature of the burning materials. Simultaneously, authorities are examining the possibility of arson. This line of inquiry follows accusations from relatives of the business owners, who allege the fire was deliberately set. However, the Fire Service has not yet provided official confirmation, as the investigation is ongoing.

A forensic team from the Fire Service of Larissa is on-site, and additional reinforcements are expected to assist in determining the cause of the fire. The incident occurred amidst a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius over the weekend.