Guidance on taking measures aimed at smoke and ash has been provided by the Public Health Directorate of the P.E. Evros, while the operation to extinguish the fire that broke out yesterday in a business of depositing recyclable materials in Amfitriti of the municipality of Alexandroupolis.

As the announcement states, since smoke from a fire contains suspended particles, sometimes dangerous, depending on the fuel material, it is recommended:

– removal from the area as far as possible,

– staying in rooms with closed windows and doors and ventilating the rooms when there is no smoke,

– the use of air conditioners with filters and air recirculation settings,

– the avoidance of smoking and outdoor activities,

– the use of high protection masks in case of compulsory movement,

– drinking plenty of fluids,

– seeking immediate medical assistance in case of symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc.

As for taking protective measures when cleaning the affected area from the ash:

– Do not allow children and pets to come into contact with ash/scorched earth,

– Use protective equipment such as high protection face mask, protective goggles, gloves, long clothing and closed shoes,

– Do not use common brooms that spread ash,

– gently wipe surfaces and clean with wet cloths, use vacuums with HEPA filters for indoor use,

– Change or clean air conditioning/heating filters,

– Use as little water as possible when cleaning to avoid further spillage,

– Collect ashes in plastic bags or suitable containers.

It is noted that – so far – no residents of the settlement of Amfitriti and the Municipality of Alexandroupolis in general have been recorded to have come to the hospital with respiratory or other symptoms related to this fire, while thanks to the direction of the weak winds blowing in the area, the smoke does not seem to have “invaded” residential areas.

As for the degree of air pollution with potentially hazardous to health particulate matter as well as the type of recyclable materials delivered to the flames, according to the competent authorities, the recording of these data will be launched after the fire is extinguished.