Larissa recycling plant blaze prompts evacuations and arson probe

A large fire broke out on the night of 10 July at a recycling‑material plant in Omofochori, a suburb of Larissa, Greece. The blaze, fed by piles of tires, plastics and other flammable waste, generated a dense, toxic smoke plume visible up to 30 km away. Emergency services deployed more than 20 fire engines, water‑tankers and specialised units, with up to 60 firefighters battling the flames through the night.

At 22:46 the public‑safety authority sent a 112 alert urging residents to stay indoors, close doors and windows and, for vulnerable groups, wear protective masks. Air‑quality monitors recorded no hazardous pollution levels, and officials said nearby homes were not in immediate danger.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation; relatives of the plant’s owners have alleged arson, and a dedicated arson‑investigation team has been dispatched to collect evidence. Authorities expect the blaze to take several days to bring fully under control.