Large-scale forest fire in the Sakar mountains engulfed 13,000 decares

Massive Forest Fire in Sakar Mountain Engulfs 13,000 Decares

Teams of firefighters, foresters, and volunteers continue their tireless battle with the massive forest fire that is devouring territories in Sakar Mountain. According to the latest data provided by the director of the Regional Directorate of "Fire Safety and Population Protection" in Haskovo, Mitko Chakalov, the affected area has reached nearly 13,000 decares.

The fire, which has been raging since Monday, started between the villages of Mladinovo, Kostur, and Lisovo. Although not completely destroyed, the forest fund has been the most severely affected, with the fire having passed through about 10,000 decares of it. According to experts, the survival of a large number of the trees is due to the low-level nature of the flames, which spread mainly along the ground, leaving the tree crowns relatively untouched. The rest of the affected territory includes pastures, vineyards, and fields, which indicates the expansion of the disaster beyond the forest boundaries.

On the ground, where the terrain is rugged and difficult to access, 13 teams of firefighters continue to battle the blaze. They remained on site throughout the past night to prevent the flames from spreading further. Today, the main efforts are concentrated on the active northwestern front of the fire. In this section, heavy tracked machinery is being used to clear firebreaks — strategic barriers to stop the spread of the flames. Despite the presence of heavy machinery, most of the extinguishing is being done manually, which further complicates and slows down the operation.

The fight against the fire unites the efforts of various institutions and citizens. In addition to professional firefighters, employees from forest enterprises are also participating in the extinguishing, as well as many volunteers who are helping to deal with the disaster. Meanwhile, the municipality of Svilengrad has declared a partial state of emergency for the area, which remains in effect.

Against the backdrop of this emergency, the police in Kyustendil announced another large fire that broke out in Rila Mountain, which adds additional pressure on the country's rescue services. The fires are like a quiet but merciless army that devours the forest massifs, requiring continuous efforts from everyone involved in the fight against the fiery element.