The fire at the Sant' Antnin plant is almost out, with firefighters focussing on the areas where white smoke is still visible, WasteServ Chief Executive Officer Tonio Montebello told The Malta Independent.

The next step, he said, is for a damage assessment to be conducted, however from what he can tall, the damage seems to be located in the area where recyclables were sorted. The area which sees the black bags collected was not damaged, and he said that once the area is deemed safe, operations in that section of the plant will resume.

WasteServ employees have thus far been kept away from the site.

Collection of the grey bag will continue as normal, and these bags will be taken to the Malta North plant, the CEO explained. "Recycling efforts will not be disrupted."

Yesterday, the Authorities issued a warning: "The emissions from this plant are a mixture of gases, chemicals and fine particles from burning waste. People who have heart or lung diseases, like heart disease, lung disease, or asthma, are at higher risk if they are exposed," the Health ministry said. 

"To decrease your risk from exposure to smoke and particles, persons living in the vicinity are advised to: Stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed; Contact your doctor if you experience any health effects such as shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms. Call for further advice if your symptoms worsen; Further communities may be affected depending on the wind direction which is currently blowing north-northwest at 8 knots according to MET office."

For further information, contact the Health Promotion and Infectious Disease Directorate helpline on 21324086."