The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received a call to Ganību Dam at 13:53. On arrival at the scene, firefighters found several hangars burning with open flames.
Information was received from the site representatives that the burning hangars contained titanium chips, which are not recommended to be extinguished with water, as well as oils containing petroleum products.
Therefore, in cooperation with the Riga City Council, a supply of gravel is being organized to cover the substance in order to smother the flames and reduce smoke in the immediate vicinity.
In addition, measures are being taken to protect another adjacent hangar from the flames.
The State Environmental Service has previously identified non-compliance in the storage area in question and less than a month ago imposed an administrative penalty in this respect for the operation and storage of waste outside the permitted area.
The extent of residual contamination in the soil and groundwater will be assessed after the clearance works by geo-ecological surveys.
According to the VUGD, the fire site in Riga has developed heavy smoke, so residents in the vicinity of Ganību Dam are asked to close windows doors, and turn off ventilation equipment.
Plkst. 13.53 @ugunsdzeseji saņēmuši izsaukumu uz Ganību dambi Rīgā, kur saskaņā ar sākotnējo informāciju angārā ir izcēlies ugunsgrēks. Ugunsdzēsēji glābēji uzsākuši darbu notikuma vietā. pic.twitter.com/VIvhRDFUZ0
— LTV Ziņu dienests (@ltvzinas) August 7, 2024
There were 40 firefighters and eight firetrucks, two excavators, a hose, and foam specialist vehicle working at the scene.
At 18:36 firefighters managed to contain the flames.
Five hangars with a total area of 900 m2 and 650 m2 of finished products and technical equipment stored between the hangars were on fire. The total area of the fire was 1550 m2.
In order to coordinate the work of all parties involved and to mobilize the necessary resources, an operational headquarters was set up at the scene, including representatives of the operational services, the site, the State Environmental Service, Riga City Council, and other authorities. The situation was assessed from the air by a VUGD drone.
Currently, work at the scene is ongoing.
An eyewitness told LETA news agency that he heard several explosions shortly after the fire started.
