A significant fire at the Skelleftehamn Recycling Center has prompted local authorities to issue a public safety alert, known as a Viktigt Meddelande till Allmänheten (VMA). The blaze, which erupted on Sunday morning, has forced emergency services to act swiftly to mitigate the impact of the fire—particularly concerning the hazardous smoke it has generated.
According to reports from SVT Nyheter Västerbotten, the fire broke out within the recycling center, which is located in the industrial area of Skelleftehamn, part of the Skellefteå municipality. The flames are fueled by a large pile of electronic waste, significantly complicate firefighting efforts. Approximately eight to ten units from the local fire response teams are actively engaged on site, working to control and extinguish the blaze.
Karolina Windstam, representing the Skellefteå emergency services, stated, “We are working to extinguish the fire, and as we do, smoke will develop, moving westward. It is not healthy to inhale.” This warning highlights the associated public health risks due to the dense smoke emanated from the fire.
Residents of Skelleftehamn and Örviken have been advised to stay indoors and secure their homes by closing windows, doors, and ventilation systems, to prevent inhalation of potentially toxic fumes. Echoing these sentiments, Windstam emphasized the urgency of this action, noting, “It’s going well but slowly. It’s quite a significant job.”
Consequently, authorities have closed Road 372, which runs from traffic junctions at Skelleftehamn to Rönnskär. This closure is necessitated by the poor visibility resulting from the smoke, impacting local traffic and safety conditions.
Emergency crews are fully mobilized, and reports from the scene indicate they may be on the job for several hours, with expectations set for the firefighting efforts to possibly continue until later in the afternoon. The unpredictable nature of the fire situation means vigilance remains high among local safety officials.
The rapid response and clear communication from local authorities are pivotal at this juncture. While no ambulances have been dispatched and there are currently no reports of injuries, proactive measures and preparedness are evident as the community rallies to support the firefighting effort.
This incident serves as both a reminder of the potential dangers associated with waste management facilities and the importance of swift emergency services responses during hazardous conditions. Residents are urged to remain attentive to updates from local authorities as they manage the situation throughout the day.
