Health warning issued for Rusko area in Tampere due to hazardous smoke from Remeo fire

A health warning has been in effect for the Rusko area of Tampere for the second consecutive day due to smoke from a large fire at Remeo’s waste processing facility. The smoke is deemed hazardous to health, and ongoing assessments are being carried out by Emmi Pajunen, an environmental protection inspector at the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre. Currently, there is no precise information on the materials burning or the compounds being emitted, as samples can only be taken once the fire is extinguished. Pajunen emphasized that combustion gases are inherently dangerous, particularly with prolonged exposure.

Firefighting efforts include the use of a yellow foam cannon borrowed from Finavia. According to Remeo’s CEO, Panu Routasalo, the burning waste primarily consists of wood, plastic, and cardboard, which are processed into recycled fuel for energy production. He assured that no hazardous materials are involved in the fire.

The local fire department issued the health warning early Tuesday morning, advising residents to remain indoors and close ventilation systems. No evacuations have been necessary so far since winds have been blowing away from populated areas.

As a result of the fire, smoke has been detected as far away as Kotka, with winds blowing east-southeast towards Kymenlaakso. Henr Nyman, a meteorologist, noted that conditions are suitable for smoke to linger close to the ground. Meanwhile, there are concerns about firefighting water potentially contaminating local waterways, particularly the nearby Houkanoja stream, prompting water quality monitoring efforts.

Additionally, air quality checks and environmental impact assessments are being conducted around nearby sensitive natural areas. Results from environmental samples may take one to two weeks to process.