A thick smoke is still billowing from the site of the fire. The smoke can also be felt in Bela Krajina, said the head of the Novo Mesto Fire and Rescue Centre, Gregor Blažič. Those that have been evacuated from the area have not yet returned to their homes. They have been advised to wait. On Thursday evening firefighters did manage to contain the fire inside the waste facility. The waste processing company has also been disconnected from the gas network.

Mr. Blažič also revealed that they have asked the Slovenian Army for helicopter assistance in putting out the fire.

The Mayor of the Municipality of Straža, Dušan Krštinc, who is also involved in putting out the fire as a firefighter, confirmed that the fire has been contained and that they are now extinguishing only part of the waste facility. The predictions are that the site of the fire will have to be monitored for at least five more days after the fire is completely extinguished.
Plants, produce and air to be analyzed
Representatives of the National Institute for Public Health will take samples from plants and produce from Zalog in order to examine them. At the same time they will also continue measuring the air for pollution, explained Krštinc.
Staying outdoors is not advised
The headquarters of the strategic civil protection office informed residents that the evacuation measures are still in force. Locals are advised to stay indoors and not to open their windows due to the smoke.

Al. Ma.; translated by K. J.