Environmental
Major Fire at Elbasan Landfill Sparks Air Quality Crisis
A large-scale fire broke out at Elbasan’s landfill in early July 2025, releasing hazardous pollutants and pushing air quality to unhealthy levels across the city and surrounding areas.
On July 1, 2025, a major fire erupted at the Elbasan landfill, one of Albania’s largest waste sites, causing widespread concern over air quality and public health. Field measurements taken during the blaze recorded dangerously high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, exceeding EU short-term exposure limits and posing acute respiratory risks. The nearby city of Elbasan saw its two air monitoring stations shift from moderate to unhealthy pollution levels, prompting environmental experts to advise residents to minimize outdoor exposure. The incident has reignited criticism of waste management practices in Albania, where landfill fires are becoming increasingly frequent, and has led to calls for improved monitoring, enforcement, and investment in sustainable waste solutions.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Elbasan Landfill, Elbasan, Albania
- Date added
- 2026-03-22 17:46 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-22 17:46 UTC
- Source
- GreenAL.al
- Connected threats
- Not provided