Firefighters tackle waste facility blaze near Tampere with aid from Satakunta Air Command

The Pirkanmaa rescue service has requested operational assistance from the Satakunta Air Command and Finavia to extinguish a fire at a waste management facility in Rusko, near Tampere. The blaze involves a massive pile of energy waste stored inside Remeo’s warehouse. According to rescue officials, the fire is partially under control but may require several more days of effort to fully extinguish.

The Air Force’s foam unit, typically stationed at Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, is now crucial for its high extinguishing power, especially effective in large fuel and structural fires, as explained by Captain Jori-Pekka Wiklund of the Satakunta Air Command. In addition, a more potent foam cannon, known as a “Panther,” has been brought in from Finavia, which allows for more efficient fire suppression due to its larger liquid storage capacity.

The firefighting team, led by duty officer Teemu Turtonen, reported that the volume and density of the waste piles create significant challenges for extinguishing the fire. Turtonen indicated that the firefighters would need to dismantle the pile, spread out the materials, and thoroughly soak them, which is time-consuming.

Judging by the ongoing situation, it is expected that firefighting crews will be on-site for several days. The fire has also triggered thick smoke plumes, prompting an advisory for residents in the nearby Rusko area to remain indoors and close their ventilation systems. The fire has raised public safety concerns, as the smoke is visible from ten kilometers away in downtown Tampere.