site.btaAir Pollution in Sandanski Could Continue Due to Fire in Ilindentsi, Says Mayor Stoyanov

Given the spread of the fire in the Ilindentsi area and its development, there is a real possibility that temporary air pollution in the municipality of Sandanski will continue, the Mayor of the municipality, Atanas Stoyanov, told BTA on Tuesday. 

Stoyanov said that air pollution has been observed in the municipality since Monday, but no measurements have been taken. A letter has been sent to the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water with a request to provide equipment to take measurements and objectively test the air quality. Based on these measurements, we will take the appropriate measures, Stoyanov said. 

He appealed to residents and visitors to the city to avoid prolonged stays outdoors when not necessary. The Municipality recommended that residents close windows and doors in residential and work premises and that ventilating rooms be avoided when there is smoke or a specific smell in the air. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases should avoid physical exertion and going outside in case of smoke. At present, there is no direct danger to the life and health of the population, but preventive measures are mandatory until air quality is restored, the Municipality said.

Mayor Atanas Stoyanov added that as a result of the fire, which has been burning for four days now, the air is thick with smoke. The situation remains complex and dynamic.