Toxic cloud looms over Thessaloniki after forest and industrial fire

A thick toxic cloud is currently blanketing the area around Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, as a result of a forest and industrial fire that erupted overnight. The blaze has devastated several businesses and factories, spewing dense smoke into the atmosphere. Firefighters are working to contain the situation, which involves the release of significant amounts of toxic smoke and carbon monoxide. Yiannis Artopoios, a spokesperson for the Fire Service, stated that the focus is on a recycling plant from which dense smoke is emanating. He noted that the wind direction has caused much of the smoke to drift towards the Thessaloniki area. Artopoios emphasized the complexity of the operation, requiring firefighters to use special protective masks to prevent chemical burns and respiratory damage from the toxic fumes and carbon monoxide. The fire, which initially broke out in a forest area in the municipality of Oreokastro in the Central Macedonia region, spread to a recycling plant. The flames also consumed local businesses and factories producing lubricants, petroleum derivatives, and textiles. The recycling plant, containing large quantities of plastic, is still burning. Over 160 firefighters, supported by 50 tanker vehicles and volunteers, fought the fire throughout the night. Aerial resources joined the efforts at dawn, helping to contain the forest front of the fire. Local officials described the destruction as enormous, with dozens, if not hundreds, of explosions reported during the night. The mayor of Neapolis-Sykeon, Simos Daniilidis, called the situation "tragically alarming" due to the black and gray cloud laden with harmful substances and dioxins. He urged the scientific community to provide guidance for public protection. Authorities have recommended avoiding travel in the affected areas, which now span western and central Thessaloniki, and advised those who must go outside to wear high-protection masks. The reduced wind strength has aided containment efforts, but officials warn that any gust could reignite the flames. Five firefighters have been hospitalized, primarily due to respiratory problems.

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We are focusing on the recycling plant from which dense smoke is emanating and, due to the wind direction, a large part of the smoke has moved towards the Thessaloniki area.