Smoke from Ust-Luga oil terminal fire may reach Estonia as winds shift

Key facts

• The fire at the Ust-Luga oil terminal in Russia began on an unspecified date and continues to burn.
• The Ust-Luga port is located 25 kilometres from Narva, Estonia, as the crow flies.
• Winds are forecast to shift from the east on Monday evening, potentially carrying smoke into Estonia.
• On Tuesday and Wednesday (1 April), north winds may push smoke over Lake Peipus, but most is expected to remain east of the lake.
• Smoke from such fires contains particles that can cause health problems, particularly for those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
• Meelis Mesi, an official from the Rescue Board, recommended sensitive individuals stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and turn off forced ventilation.
• Erik Teinemaa, head of the Air Quality and Climate Department at the Estonian Environment Research Centre, noted that intense fires can carry pollutants tens or hundreds of kilometres.
• Estonia's air quality can be monitored at ### Smoke plume heads toward Estonia as winds change direction

On Monday evening, the wind will turn and the smoke from the fire at the Ust-Luga oil terminal may reach Estonia, according to the Environmental Agency's forecast. The wind will start blowing from the east this evening and overnight, allowing smoke from the Ust-Luga area to move towards Estonia. On Tuesday and also on Wednesday (1 April), the wind will blow from the north, and the smoke from Ust-Luga may move over Lake Peipus; however, the majority of the smoke is expected to be carried east of Lake Peipus into Russia.

Higher-altitude smoke could cross borders

At the same time, smoke that has risen higher will be able to move across our borders in a north-easterly flow. This possibility also exists for the night before Thursday, but afterwards, south-westerly winds will become dominant in both near-surface and higher air layers, carrying the smoke back towards Karelia and North-West Russia. The Ust-Luga port is located 25 kilometres from Narva as the crow flies.

Health risks prompt warnings for vulnerable groups

The smoke from such a fire contains various particles that can cause health problems. Those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable and should stay indoors as much as possible if feasible. “There may be a smell of smoke and some smog in Ida-Virumaa. We recommend that more sensitive individuals stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and also turn off forced ventilation,” said Meelis Mesi, an official from the Rescue Board.

Pollutants can travel hundreds of kilometres

“The smoke from fires of such intensity and the pollutants generated there can be carried tens and even hundreds of kilometres away, depending on weather conditions. A lack of precipitation and rising air currents favour the spread of pollution,” explained Erik Teinemaa, head of the Air Quality and Climate Department at the Estonian Environment Research Centre. If you are feeling unwell, Rescue 112 recommends contacting the family doctor's advice line on 1220.

Separate carport fire in Helsinki destroys eight vehicles

In a separate incident, a fire broke out in a carport in the Roihuvuori district of Helsinki early on Saturday morning, destroying eight cars.katu street were awakened by loud noises as the cars burned in the shelter. the cars were fully engulfed in flames. The fire produced a large amount of smoke, and some people at the scene suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. The blaze did not spread to other buildings.

Cause of Helsinki fire under investigation

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire in Helsinki. No further details have been released. The incident highlights the risks of vehicle fires in urban areas, though it is unrelated to the Ust-Luga terminal blaze.

The bottom line

• Smoke from the Ust-Luga oil terminal fire may reach Estonia starting Monday evening due to easterly winds.
• Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, should stay indoors and avoid exposure.
• The fire is located 25 km from Narva, and pollutants can travel hundreds of kilometres under favourable conditions.
• Estonian authorities have provided a hotline (1220) and a website (ohuseire.ee) for health advice and air quality monitoring.
• A separate carport fire in Helsinki destroyed eight cars but did not spread to other buildings; its cause is under investigation.