site.btaUPDATED Large Wildfire Raging near Ilindentsi, Cougar Helicopter Helps Extinguishing Efforts

A large wildfire is raging near the village of Ilindentsi (southwestern Bulgaria) on Saturday. Some 40 hectrares of coniferous forest, dry grass, and shrubs are burning in the area around the village, with the fire mainly spreading along the ground - 27 hectares are forest areas, Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate General, said. \

There is heavy equipment on site. The fire is being extinguished by forestry workers in the area, three fire crews, and members of the Strumyani Municipality volunteer fire brigade.

The Defence Ministry said earlier on Saturday that military personnel from the 24th Air Base in Krumovo, part of the Air Force, are also participating in firefighting operations with a Cougar helicopter.

There is no danger of the fire reaching populated areas, the Katuntsi State Forestry Service told BTA. People have been evacuated from the area of the fire above the village of Ilindentsi, the village Mayor Boyko Ibrishimov told BTA. Two families had to be evacuated. There is no danger to the residents of Ilindentsi at this time. The road is closed and no one is allowed in the area of the fire. 

“The situation is not good. We are burning. There are three large bulldozers making firebreaks. Other heavy equipment is also being used. More volunteers are expected,” said Ibrishimov.

He added that help has been sought from Petrich, Sandanski, and Kresna.

Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov said that two of the fire fronts have been brought under control. "We continue to work on two fronts - the northern and eastern ones," he added.

Over 120 people are helping to extinguish the fire, Strumyani Mayor Emil Iliev told BTA.

The fire broke out late on Friday night after 9 p.m. The cause of the fire, which started under a power line in the village of Ilindentsi, is being investigated, the Katuntsi State Forestry Service said.