On Sunday at 11:17, the emergency center was informed of a fire at the Uikala landfill in Kukruse village, Toila municipality, the Rescue Board reported.
The first to arrive at the scene, Jõhvi rescuers identified the fire on the highest hill of the landfill. The fire is at the top of the hill and is burning with an open flame.
The incident has been elevated to the highest level, stage 4. The event has been responded to with large forces from both professional and voluntary rescue teams from Ida- and Lääne-Viru counties.
Rescuers are asking residents in the nearby area to avoid moving through smoke, keep doors and windows closed, turn off ventilation, and avoid movement in the fire area.
The Uikala landfill has caught fire repeatedly before. The largest fire at the Uikala landfill dates back to May of last year, when over 200 rescuers participated in the nine-day long firefighting efforts. Four of them were injured during the rescue operations.
The Rescue Board has previously stated that the company Ekovir, operating the Uikala landfill, has not done everything to prevent fires at the landfill and to fight them if necessary, instead relying on rescuers.
The authorities are concerned whether the company operating the Uikala landfill can comply with the orders, as the company's tax debt exceeds two million euros.
Waste from residents of all eight municipalities in Ida-Viru County is taken to Uikala.