A large-scale rescue operation is underway to control a spreading forest fire in the mountain region around the village of Ploski, Ivan Rizov - head of the State Forestry Enterprise (DGS) - Strumyani, told regional media.
According to official information, more than 150 professionals from various agencies have been mobilized to fight the fire. The teams include firefighters, forestry employees, military personnel, volunteer formations, and experts from Pirin National Park.
Currently, two active fire centers have been identified - one within the protected territory of Pirin National Park, and the second located at a lower altitude near the village of Ploski. The head of the DGS emphasized that there is no immediate threat to nearby settlements.
Specialists are working intensively to extinguish internal smoldering and localize the spread. Two helicopters are involved in the air operation and are expected to support the ground teams' efforts.
According to official data, the fire has already affected around ten thousand decares and continues to expand its perimeter. The previous day, a partial evacuation of rescue teams in the Ilindentsi area was carried out due to intensive crown fire.
The management of DGS - Strumyani does not rule out the possibility of additional human resources being attracted in the coming days, depending on the situation's development.