Fire at Tallinn hazardous waste center put out after three days

TALLINN. May 25 (Interfax) - A fire that broke out at a hazardous waste management center in the Estonian capital on May 23 has been extinguished.

"The fire was finally extinguished at 2:43 p.m. (local time) Thursday," the Estonian Rescue Board said in a statement.

The effort involved 40 pieces of equipment and rescue teams from across Estonia.

The fire was reported late last Tuesday. It spread to several nearby buildings. People were evacuated. So far, there have been no reports of injuries.

Rescue workers said the blaze covered a packaging center and a hazardous waste center, as well as the fuel oil, oil, and batteries stored at them. Loud bangs were audible at the scene.

A plume of smoke rising from the fire, which started near an international airport on Suur-Sojamae street on the city's outskirts, could be seen even at opposite ends of Tallinn. Residents of the Lasnamae District were sent EE ALARM text messages asking them to keep all windows and doors closed, switch off ventilation systems and avoid going outdoors.