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A fire that broke out in a hangar at Biolar chemical plant has already been brought under control, the State Fire and Rescue Service informed LETA.

The fire damaged the building's technical part and 550 square meters of roof. The fire extinguishing operation is still ongoing. Representatives of the State Fire and Rescue Service said that there were no chemicals burning and the fire posed no danger to local residents. 

Kristine Klaveniece, a representative of the State Environmental Service, told LETA that the blaze started at the paint and varnish plant of Biolars  chemical company but that there were no chemicals burning at the moment. An environmental inspector was on his way to the scene of the accident. 

Olaine regional mayor Andris Bergs (Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party) confirmed to LETA that he has been informed about the fire at the Biolars  plant but that he has no further details. 

The State Fire and Rescue Service informed that firefighters received a call about the fire in a hangar in Olaine at 16:00. 

At present, 53 firefighters are working at the scene and a drone is being used to inspect the roof of the burning hangar. 

The State Fire and Rescue Service has warned local residents against approaching the site and recommended closing windows and switching off ventilators to keep noxious fumes out of their homes.