The dramatic night battle with the fire element ended successfully, Chief Commissioner Aleksandar Dzhartov reported this morning during a special briefing in Arbanasi village. The initial signal about the fire came yesterday afternoon around 5:00 PM, which immediately triggered a mobilization of rescue teams.
Unfavorable meteorological conditions - strong wind and extremely dry weather - contributed to the rapid spread of flames towards hard-to-reach terrains. Extensive actions for localizing the fire outbreak were immediately undertaken.
The operation involved diverse formations: fire services from the regions of Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Pleven and Lovech, two military helicopters from Krumovo air base, volunteer groups and representatives of local businesses. The police immediately cordoned off the threatened area.
By morning, the situation was completely brought under control. Rescue teams spent the night creating firebreaks and extinguishing the outbreak. Currently, large-scale patrols are continuing along the perimeter, now relying mainly on local formations.
Initial assessment indicates that the fire affected around 850 decares of land, with approximately half being forest areas. At present, there are no active serious fires at the national level.
Competent authorities are already working on the case. A pre-trial proceeding has been initiated, and procedural-investigative actions are being conducted on all possible versions. The road between Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi and Gorna Oryahovitsa will remain closed until further notice.
The Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, eng. Daniel Panov, extended special thanks to all participants in the large-scale rescue operation.