Bulgaria in flames: Multiple fires engulf the country

Country battling fiery disaster: Multiple fires engulf various regions

Bulgaria is fighting several large-scale fires that have broken out in different parts of the country in recent days. Firefighters, forest officials, military personnel, and volunteers continue to tirelessly combat the fiery disaster that threatens the population and infrastructure in several areas.

The situation in Sungurlare remains extremely severe, although the fire has been brought under control, according to the Sungurlare Municipality press center. A state of emergency has been declared in the territories of the town of Sungurlare and the villages of Beronovo, Skala, Slavyantsi, as well as in the settlement of Balabanchevo. Forty people were evacuated from the home for the elderly with disabilities in the village of Slavyantsi.

Two "Cougar" helicopters from the 24th Air Base in Krumovo joined the fight against the fire, as well as an American crew with a "Black Hawk" helicopter. Additionally, two planes from Sweden are conducting water bombings, using water from the "Kamchia" reservoir. Mainly forested areas, fields, and vineyards have been affected, but there is no information about burned farms or injured people.

In Harmanli, a fire that broke out after 5:00 PM threatened the hospital, sports complex, and the villa zone of the town. Mayor Maria Kirkova reported that eight firefighting teams, along with municipal employees and volunteers, are fighting the flames. The fire has engulfed several yards and outbuildings in the "Trifoncheto" villa zone, but the situation is under control, according to the Haskovo Regional Governor Stefka Zdravkova.

A fire near the 86th kilometer of the "Trakia" highway necessitated a temporary traffic restriction towards Burgas. Three fire teams brought the fire in dry grass and stubble under control, and traffic was later restored.

In the Sofia region, the early warning system for disasters, BG-Alert, was activated due to a fire between the villages of Gradets and Tsarichina. The mayor of Kostinbrod, Trayko Mladenov, reported that the fire was contained thanks to the joint efforts of firefighting teams and volunteers.

In Asenovgrad municipality, a fire engulfed about two decares of pine forest in the Pileshka Chuka area above the village of Dobrostan. Four firefighting teams, along with the mayor of the municipality Dr. Hristo Grudev, employees from the "Forestry Directorate" and volunteers, are working to contain the flames.

Authorities urge citizens to be vigilant and follow fire prevention measures, especially in conditions of prolonged drought. The situation remains dynamic, with teams on the ground continuing to make efforts to fully extinguish the fires and prevent new outbreaks.