Police is investigating possible arson at the Tsalapitsa dumpsite, the Manager of the dumpsite Petar Todorov announced.

The fire at Tsalapitsa started last night at about 8 pm when it was dark. Three or four fire centres were found in the zone for dumping fresh rubbish. Todorov claims that such fires are usually triggered when the discussion of the disposal of Sofia garbage at Tsalapitsa is brought up.

There is no direct threat to the citizens of Plovdiv although the central and the western parts of the city felt the smell this morning, Minkov said.

Fire fighters from the neighbouring town of Stamboliisky are evaluating the situation. It is possible that Plovdiv’s fire fighters will join the effort, Minkov said. Plovdiv regional inspectorate on environment and waters has been tipped off and requested to send equipment to measure the air pollution.

Fire fighters are planning to erect a temporary road over the refuse to allow the fire fighting vehicles to enter the landfill. Plovdiv municipality did not specify when it expects to extinguish the flames.