The Greek Health Ministry advised the city of Aspropyrgos, west Attica, to close down kindergartens and schools on Wednesday following a blaze at a recycling facility that broke out on Saturday due to dangerous toxic fumes released by the fire on its fifth day ablaze.

Health warnings have been issued to protect the public, especially those with increased health risks such as asthma sufferers, people with breathing problems, heart patients, children and senior citizens.

Fire services warn that the blaze shows no signs of abating soon and may continue to burn for several more days due to the nature of the materials being burnt. Fire services are trying to put out the fire with water, however a more effective way would be to cover it with soil though this would require 200,000 euros being spent for 500-1,000 soil-carrying trucks to arrive at the area. Sources state that 50 trucks would cost 20,000 euros alone – money at the Attica Regional Authority is in short supply.

Attica Regional Authority Chief Rena Dourou surveyed the area on Tuesday, stating that the primary goal was to normalize the situation and minimize public health risks. Scientists are conducting measurements in the area to determine the extent of the pollution.

Meanwhile, an emergency preliminary hearing has been ordered by the first-instance court prosecutor based on charges filed by the Attica Regional Authority to determine wither there is criminal culpability for the crime.

Roma citizens raid the area

As if the choking atmosphere and the stench weren’t enough to deal with, citizens state that the Roma community is taking advantage of the situation by grabbing public property such as metal barriers being placed by the fire services to keep out citizens. They are rushing through the area, grabbing all they can find in the chaos caused by the fire.