Inferno at Larissa’s Omorfokhori Recycling Plant – Explosions Reported as Fire Rages

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A major fire continues to rage at a recycling facility in Omorfokhori, a village near Larissa in central Greece. The air is thick and suffocating, though the intensity of the blaze has somewhat subsided. As of Saturday morning, 11 July 2026, over 50 firefighters are on-site with 22 vehicles, supported by municipal water tankers and earthmoving machinery. Authorities say the absence of strong winds is significantly aiding firefighting efforts.

No Immediate Threat to Village

According to official statements, there is no immediate danger to Omorfokhori itself — located approximately 500 meters from the site. The primary objective remains preventing the fire from spreading to nearby businesses and agricultural land.

Explosions Complicate Operations

Firefighters’ work is being hampered by repeated explosions caused by propane cylinders and other flammable materials stored on-site. These blasts increase the risk of reignition and pose serious safety challenges. Although the fire front has been contained, authorities stress that full extinguishment will take several days due to the nature of the burning materials.

Arson Under Investigation

Investigators are also examining the possibility of arson. Relatives of the facility’s owners have filed complaints alleging the fire was deliberately set. However, the Hellenic Fire Service has not officially confirmed this line of inquiry, as the investigation remains ongoing. A specialized investigative team from the Larissa Fire Service is already on-site, with additional resources expected to support the probe into the fire’s cause.