site.btaDefence Ministry Assists in Containing Major Mountain Wildfire near Strumyani

Aircrews from the Bulgarian Air Force’s 24th Air Base – Krumovo deployed two Cougar helicopters Sunday to help extinguish a large forest fire in the mountainous area near the southwestern village of Ilindentsi, Strumyani Municipality. The first aircraft took off at 08:20 am, followed by the second at 09:46 am to provide maximum operational support.

Meanwhile, 19 servicepersons and six specialized vehicles from the Bulgarian Land Forces were dispatched to respond to a second fire in a pine forest near the central city of Veliko Tarnovo — between the neighborhoods of Cholakovi and Buzludzha.

All actions are being carried out in coordination with the regional Fire Safety and Civil Protection services, and with the approval of the Chief of Defence, Admiral Emil Eftimov, said the Ministry.