On Wednesday, the 7th of August, Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received a call, reporting a fire on Ganību dambis in Riga. Upon arriving at the scene, fire fighters found multiple hangars on fire.
Information from representatives of the property on fire indicated that titanium shavings were located in the burning hangars, which are not recommended to be extinguished with water, as well as petroleum-containing oils. Therefore, in cooperation with the Riga City Council, the delivery of gravel was organized in order to coat the burning substance, as well as the necessary equipment for this – six trucks, three front loaders and two tractors. This made it possible to stifle the flames and reduce the smoke in the immediate vicinity. Measures were taken to protect the nearby hangar from the fire.
One fire fighter was injured on the site.
At 6:36 p.m. (local time), fire fighters managed to contain the spread of the flames. Five hangars with an area of 900 m2 were burning at the scene, as well as finished products and technical equipment located between the hangars in an area of 650 m2. The total area on fire – 1 550 m2.
40 firefighters and eight fire trucks, two ladder vehicles, a slush and foam specialized car were working at the scene. In order to coordinate the work of all parties involved and the use of the necessary resources, an operational headquarters was established at the scene, which included representatives of operational services, the facility, the State Environmental Service, the Riga City Council and representatives of other institutions. The assessment of the situation from the air was carried out by an unmanned aircraft of the VUGD.
After piles of titanium chips were littered with sand late on Wednesday night, thus preventing oxygen supply and open burning, active extinguishing work was halted.
At night, firefighters conducted surveillance of the area and monitoring of the covered piles with a thermal camera and unmanned aircraft.
Work still continues at the scene.