Aviation and Ground Crews Struggle to Contain Bulgarian Wildfires

The situation remains complicated with the fires in Maleshevska Mountain, Strumyani, and Slavyanka Mountain, as both fronts remain active. Commissioner Valentin Vassilev, regional director of the fire department in Blagoevgrad, reported that about 6,000 decares of state forest territory and over 3,000 decares of agricultural land have been affected in Maleshevo Mountain. The total perimeter of the fire is estimated to be between 10,000 and 12,000 decares as of 7 a.m. this morning.

In the center of the village of Mikrevo, an efficient organization has been set up for dispatching firefighters to the front in Maleshevska Planina and towards the border. Vassilev emphasized the goal of ensuring coverage in all populated areas by firefighting teams, military, and forest officials. With ample equipment on the ground, efforts are being made to limit the perimeter of the fire. The main front of spread is towards the west, and it is hoped that aviation equipment will also be involved after 9 a.m.

Aviation equipment, including two French planes and helicopters from the Bulgarian Army, has been provided to assist the hundreds of firefighters on the ground. However, the simultaneous operation of helicopters and planes is avoided due to the risk it poses to the crews. Alexander Jartov, director of the General Directorate "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population," described the fires as "complex fires on large areas with strong wind and rough terrain."

The fire on the Bulgarian-Greek border has advanced approximately 200-300 meters into Bulgarian territory. Despite the creation of clearings, the fire remains uncontrollable due to strong winds. Jartov commented to BNR that the situation continues to be severe and challenging, particularly...