A major fire broke out shortly after 2:00 a.m. in the Chytiria area on Lesvos, engulfing a recycling facility and sending thick, toxic smoke over the island’s main town. The fire quickly intensified due to the presence of highly flammable materials, including plastic waste, triggering emergency alerts and cutting off power to parts of the area.
Greek emergency authorities issued a 112 alert just before 6:00 a.m., urging residents to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, and follow official instructions.
Containers Destroyed, Smoke Covers the Island
According to local news reports, the blaze destroyed at least two large containers filled with recyclable materials. The smoke and acrid smell quickly spread, prompting concern among residents and environmental officials.
Eight fire trucks and personnel from the Special Disaster Response Unit (EMODE) are currently working to contain the fire, which remains active but is no longer spreading to nearby fields, according to officials.
Authorities Battling Intense Heat and Fuel Load
“The fire spread quickly due to the presence of plastics and other flammable materials,” said the Fire Services Commander for Lesvos and Lemnos. “We managed to prevent it from reaching nearby farmland, but the blaze is still intense due to the volume of burning material.”
While the immediate risk to surrounding areas has been mitigated, emergency services continue efforts to fully extinguish the fire and monitor air quality.
