A series of intense forest fires threaten various regions of Bulgaria, with fire elements causing serious tension among local authorities and rescue teams. The critical situation necessitates large-scale coordinated actions to control the spreading outbreaks.
In the mountain area around Ilindentsi and Ploski, the fire front continues, covering the high parts of the Pirin Mountain. According to the director of the State Forestry - Strumyani, Ivan Rizov, local outbreaks are spreading due to extremely strong winds. Thanks to air support, specialists managed to transform the top fire into a ground fire, with the area around Ploski village remaining especially threatened.
Parallel to the mountain fire, another large-scale outbreak was registered in the Karnobat area. Mayor Georgi Dimitrov reported flames covering a front of about 5 kilometers near the historical fortress "Markeli". The fire affects a forest massif and extensive areas with dried vegetation, with nine fire trucks from neighboring municipalities mobilized to extinguish it.
An additional critical situation was created in other regions. In Balchik, a fire broke out behind the city sign, spreading extremely quickly and threatening hard-to-reach terrains. In parallel, a partial emergency situation was declared in the area between Dositeevo and Kolarovo villages, which forced the regional governor of Haskovo, Stefka Zdravkova, to activate the BG-Alert system with evacuation possibilities.
A key moment in the fight against fire elements is international assistance. Two Swedish firefighting planes and a helicopter were involved in extinguishing activities, especially in the Harmanli area. Additional support was provided by military personnel from the Air Force with two "Cougar" helicopters, which assisted teams in the Strumyani and Harmanli municipalities.
By the end of the day, authorities reported partial success - the fire near Dositeevo village was brought under control thanks to joint efforts of firefighters, farmers, and air formations. Thirteen fire teams continue to stand guard at critical sections, ready to prevent possible reoccurrence of outbreaks.