site.btaFire near Sliven Localized, No Injuries Reported

A fire that broke out in a villa zone near Sliven and the nearby village of Sotirya has been localized, with no injuries reported and no need for evacuation at this stage, the Sliven Regional Fire Safety and Civil Protection Service told BTA.

A spreading fire in the eastern parts of Sliven prompted local authorities to activate the BG-ALERT emergency warning system earlier on Monday. 

The signal was received at 2:06 p.m. on Monday. Five firefighting teams from Sliven, two from Nova Zagora and one from Tvarditsa were sent to the scene. Assistance was also requested from the nearby town of Yambol.

One firefighting team remains on standby in the city and is ready to respond if necessary.

The fire affected about eight hectares, spreading through yards and grass-covered areas. Police were also at the scene. Residents in the area had been prepared for a possible evacuation, but one was not deemed necessary.

According to preliminary information, the likely cause of the fire was a technical fault in high-voltage equipment that produced a spark.

Another fire was reported near Sliven earlier in the day, at 1:37 p.m. Three firefighting teams were initially sent to the scene. The fire has been extinguished and there are currently no problems.

Both fires have been brought under control.

Shortly after 3 p.m., Sliven Regional Governor Mihail Kasherov activated the BG-ALERT emergency warning system because of a spreading fire in the eastern part of the city.

Firefighting efforts were hampered by strong winds reaching speeds of 72 km/h.

The Sliven Municipality press office also said that electricity had been temporarily interrupted in several villages during the day but had since been restored. Continuous communication is being maintained with mayors and local representatives in the settlements, while emergency teams and volunteers remain on standby if needed.