Fire at landfill in city of Valjevo

A large plume of smoke continues to rise high above the city. Firefighters are being assisted by public utility companies, providing both manpower and machinery to help control the blaze.

Around 5,000 square meters of the landfill have been affected, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Valjevo Environmental Protection Council issued a public statement advising citizens on how to protect themselves from harmful gases emitted by the burning waste. The landfill is located on the outskirts of the city, on the left bank of the Kolubara River, while a residential neighborhood with family homes sits on the right bank.

The city landfill was established in 1990 as a temporary site covering 6 hectares. Over time, it expanded and now spans 10 hectares. It retains its “temporary” status, despite operating for over three decades.

This is the second fire at the site, with the first occurring in October 2023.