Plovdiv’s Air Quality Plummets as Tsalapitsa Fire Contributes to Pollution Surge

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – The air quality in Plovdiv has sharply declined, with fine dust particle levels reaching alarming heights, seven times above the normal limits, according to Ivan Stoyanov, Deputy Mayor for Ecology and Health.

Stoyanov, who is presently at the site of the Tsalapitsa fire, reported that mobile air quality stations have detected a concentration of 350 mg/m³ of fine dust particles (FDP).

Data from stationary air quality monitoring stations across Plovdiv paint a grim picture of the city’s pollution levels throughout the morning.

The Automatic Measuring Station (AMS) “Kamenitsa” recorded progressively worsening conditions, with fine dust particle levels rising from 71 µg/m³ at 7:00 a.m. to 138 µg/m³ by 9:00 a.m.

Similarly, AMS “Trakia” reported a dramatic spike, starting at 50 µg/m³ at 7:00 a.m., surging to 348 µg/m³ at 8:00 a.m., and then dropping slightly to 119 µg/m³ by 9:00 a.m.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Regional Health Inspection (RHI) has issued urgent advice for residents.

It is recommended that individuals keep their windows closed and limit outdoor activities, particularly for the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions, and young children.

Residents who must venture outside are advised to wear protective masks to reduce their exposure to harmful dust particles.

The increase in pollution levels has been directly linked to the ongoing fire at the Tsalapitsa landfill. Regional Governor Prof. Hristina Yancheva has convened the Regional Crisis Staff to address the situation.

The fire, which has been burning for several hours, continues to emit significant amounts of smoke and fine dust into the atmosphere, exacerbating the air quality issues in the city.

Prof. Yancheva acknowledged the severity of the pollution but noted that recent hours have shown a slight decrease in fine dust particle levels.

Despite this, the municipality of Plovdiv, in coordination with the RHI, has decided to issue precautionary guidelines for residents.

These measures are expected to remain in effect through tomorrow morning due to the persistent presence of the dust cloud in the area.

Efforts to control the fire are ongoing. Although the blaze has been partially brought under control, firefighting teams continue to deploy significant resources to fully contain the fire.

The situation at the landfill remains fluid, and additional updates from the crisis staff are anticipated later today.

As Plovdiv grapples with this environmental crisis, the focus remains on mitigating health risks for residents and bringing the fire at the Tsalapitsa landfill under control.

Authorities are urging the public to stay informed and adhere to safety recommendations to minimize exposure to the hazardous air quality.