Brügg waste center fire triggers smoke alerts near Bienne

Authorities in the canton of Bern have lifted safety alerts following a fire at a waste collection center in Brügg, near Bienne. The fire broke out Thursday evening in a pile of bulky waste.

The incident caused significant smoke plumes to spread toward Bienne, Nidau, and Port, creating acrid odors and reducing visibility for motorists on the highway. The Alertswiss service had previously instructed residents in the affected areas to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems. These safety measures were lifted shortly before midnight.