site.btaFirefighting Efforts in Rila Mountains Achieve Significant Progress

Significant progress in the fight against the Rila Mountains fire was reported by Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Director of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection (GDFSCP), after his return on Monday evening from the fire outbreak.

He pointed out that the terrain is very difficult and there are many fallen trees which are difficult to put out by hand alone.

The fire has covered an area of about 50 hectares. "It is difficult to estimate. There is no uncontrolled development, but there are a few more days of work until it is extinguished," said Chief Commissioner Dzhartov. He pointed out that the fire was most likely triggered by a lightning, and had resumed again after being put out last week.

"There were 56 people on the ground - firefighters, forestry officials and many volunteers. We also had a lot of help from the two helicopters that were flying around all day," Dzhartov said. He clarified that the helicopters had made 30 flyovers by 4 p.m. alone.