site.btaFire near Veliko Tarnovo Contained, Fire Safety Head Dzhartov Says

The fire near Veliko Tarnovo, located in the Garga Bair area, has been contained, Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate General, said at a briefing on Wednesday. He added that there are no active major fires anywhere else in Bulgaria at present.

Efforts to contain the fire overnight were intense, Dzhartov noted. The blaze affected around 85 hectares, roughly half of which was forested area. He confirmed that there are currently no visible flames and the situation remains under control. Patrols continue around the entire perimeter.

A total of 16 firefighting teams from Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Lovech, Gabrovo, and other towns took part in tackling the fire. Support also came from two helicopters, military personnel, volunteers, police, and local authorities. The fire started at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon in the Garga Bair area, a hard-to-reach location.

Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause, with all possible versions being considered. He stressed that anyone responsible for the fire, whether deliberately or accidentally, will face consequences. Panov expressed gratitude to all institutions, volunteers, business representatives, neighbouring municipalities' mayors, military units, and the Vasil Levski National Military University for their help in extinguishing the fire.