A fire broke out across roughly four hectares at the Nubarashen garbage dump on the outskirts of Yerevan, Armenia. News-Armenia reported this incident, citing Levon Sardaryan, the press secretary for Yerevan Municipality. The blaze released a noticeable odor of burning throughout the city, prompting concerns among residents and officials alike.
According to the rescue service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the region, about 300 cubic meters of waste were burning on the four-hectare site. This rapid fire scene required swift coordination and response from local authorities to contain the spread and protect nearby communities.
Levon Sardaryan said that the spread of the fire had been halted, though isolated pockets continued to smolder. Emergency responders faced the challenge of extinguishing the remaining hotspots while ensuring safety for workers and residents in adjacent areas. The firefighting effort involved multiple municipal resources, including five fire trucks, five tractors, and four water carriers, all contributing to the sustained operation to bring the blaze under control.
The incident in Yerevan echoes similar concerns raised by residents near other large waste sites, where smoke and fumes can affect air quality and daily life. In December, residents living near the Tunkinsky National Park area in Buryatia reported a separate fire involving garbage that covered an area of about 900 square meters. Locals described dense, sharp smoke that affected visibility and caused discomfort for those with respiratory sensitivities. Officials emphasized the importance of rapid incident reporting and coordinated response to minimize health risks and environmental impact. The situation in Armenia and the report from Buryatia illustrate the ongoing challenges cities face in managing large-scale waste disposal facilities and preventing fires from escalating into broader public health concerns. In both regions, authorities urged residents to close windows during smoky periods, monitor air quality advisories, and stay informed through official channels for updates on fire status and safety recommendations. At the same time, waste management agencies are exploring long-term measures to improve fire prevention, waste sorting, and rapid response to such emergencies, aiming to reduce the likelihood of similar events in the future.