Fire Element in Bulgaria: 200 Fires in 24 Hours - Critical Situation and Large-Scale Rescue Operation

At the height of the summer heat, Bulgaria faces an unprecedented challenge related to the emergence of multiple fires that threaten national security and the ecological situation. According to official data presented by the Director of "Fire Safety and Population Protection" Alexander Djartov, nearly 200 fire outbreaks have been registered and brought under control over the past 24 hours.

The most critical situation is observed in the areas around Kostinbrod and Stefan Karadjovo village, where firefighting teams are waging a continuous battle with the spread of flames. Despite challenges related to high temperatures and strong winds, rescue services have managed to locate and control most fire outbreaks.

Special attention was given to the fire near Orlov Dol village in Topolovgrad Municipality, where the fire is under round-the-clock observation. The situation is similar in the regions of Sliven and Blagoevgrad, where intensive extinguishing measures are being applied.

Chief Commissioner Djartov emphasized the exceptional role of local volunteers, who significantly help official teams in controlling the fires. "Coordination with local authorities is of exceptional importance," he said and appealed to citizens to be extremely careful when handling open fire.

A tragic moment in this fiery week is the registered human loss - one person died in a yard fire in Razgrad, while another was injured by flames in Kardzhali. These incidents further underscore the seriousness of the situation.

The BG-Alert mass notification system is partially activated in the affected areas, with the decision made by the respective regional governors. Djartov explained that with so many fire outbreaks, it is not possible to activate the system for each individual case.

In the coming hours, two helicopters are expected to be involved in firefighting operations, as well as the redeployment of a bulldozer from "Mini Maritsa-east". These additional resources hope to help manage the expanding fires.

The causes of the fires, especially the one near Kostinbrod, remain unclear. The Ministry of Defense has denied conducting any shooting during the period of the incident.

Experts warn that due to extreme meteorological conditions, the risk of new fires remains extremely high. Citizens are called to be maximally vigilant and follow all recommendations of fire services.

The state has prepared a mechanism to support those affected, with financial compensation of 2000 leva envisaged for those impacted by the fire disaster.