FIERY ELEMENT IN RILA: MASSIVE OPERATION AGAINST FIRE ABOVE THE RILA MONASTERY
Kyustendil – A large-scale forest fire has engulfed a vast territory in the alpine part of the Rila mountain, spreading in the area of the "Rila Monastery" Nature Park. According to data provided by the police in Kyustendil, the fire has already affected an area of 250 acres, with the exact size of the devastated terrain being determined with the help of a drone.
The mountain, a symbol of Bulgarian nature, has become the arena for a difficult fight against the fire, which broke out last night, around 6:00 PM. According to initial assumptions, the cause of its ignition was lightning that struck in a hard-to-reach area. The fire has spread at an extremely high altitude – over 2200 meters, which further complicates the efforts of the rescue teams. The element is raging above the Ilina River, near one of Bulgaria's largest spiritual centers.
To deal with the disaster, a significant resource of people and equipment has been mobilized. All available forces are united in a common, massive operation to extinguish the flames. The police announced that a specialized helicopter has also joined the fight against the fire, carrying out aerial water drops on the affected perimeter. Teams from the fire departments of Kyustendil, Dupnitsa, Bobov dol, Rila, and Blagoevgrad are working around the clock on the ground.
Professionals from the fire department have been joined by employees from the "Rila National Park" and the "Rila Monastery" National Park. They were also joined by a team from the Rila Holy Cloister, as well as dozens of volunteers who are helping in the uneven battle with the fire. The complex terrain, combined with the alpine conditions, requires exceptional coordination and precision in every action. The efforts are aimed at containing the fire and preventing its spread to more extensive forest massifs and protected areas.