site.btaDefence Ministry Has Rescheduled All Live-Fire Exercises Since End of June

The Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that due to rising temperatures, the Land Forces had rescheduled all shooting drills, exercises and live-fire training at all training centres and ranges since the end of June so as to minimize the risk of fires. As to the fire at the Slivnitsa training centre in Sofia Region, claims that it was caused by military personnel are completely unfounded and untrue, the Ministry said.

In July, there has been no activity and no military units at the training centre. Since the outbreak of the fire on Monday evening, the Land Forces have been assisting with personnel and equipment to extinguish it, the Defence Ministry said.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry said that more than 50 military personnel and equipment were involved in firefighting at the Slivnitsa training centre. They have been on site since 7:00 am on Tuesday. On Monday, 29 servicemen with five vehicles took part in the effort until late into the night.

The Defence Ministry condemns the actions of people who deliberately start fires, causing millions in damage. Its employees express solidarity with those who have lost property as a result of such irresponsible acts.