site.btaUPDATED Six Helicopters Expected to Assist in Firefighting Efforts Wednesday, Says Fire Safety Chief

“We expect six helicopters to be operating today [Wednesday], with three having already taken off and en route,” said Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, who heads the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection, at a briefing with journalists. He noted that a decision will be made on where the aircraft should be deployed.

“Most likely, operations will begin on one of the fronts near the village of Ploski [SW Bulgaria],” Dzhartov stated.

He added that the BG-Alert system was activated for the village of Ploski, near Sandanski, and residents were evacuated as a precaution Tuesday. “There was quite intense burning,” Dzhartov noted. 

The fire near Ploski did not reach the settlement and no damage has been reported, the fire chief confirmed.

The return of evacuated residents to their homes will depend not only on the progress of the firefighting efforts but also on smoke levels in the area. “Smoke exposure can be as dangerous as the fire itself,” Chief Commissioner Dzhartov cautioned, adding that this was the reason for the activation of the national BG-ALERT emergency notification system as a precautionary measure.

The wildfire burning in the area around the village of Ilindentsi remains the most extensive active fire in Bulgaria at present, said the fire safety chief.

He explained that the situation within the fire perimeter is currently under assessment, particularly in light of the hurricane-force winds that struck the area after 7:00 PM Tuesday night. The strong winds, which persisted for several hours, significantly contributed to the spread of the flames.

“With regard to the three fire fronts we had previously brought under control, there has been no change so far. That’s a positive sign,” he said. “However, we are now evaluating the impact of the hurricane-level wind.”  

Ploski Mayor Kiril  Katardzhiev said that over 400 people live in the village. The evacuees are accommodated at the sports hall in Sandanski, Regional Governor Georgi Dinev told BTA Tuesday.

Sandanski Municipality advises residents to close windows and doors, turn off air conditioners that bring in outside air, drink more fluids, and avoid physical exertion. If necessary, they should wear a protective mask (FFP2/FFP3). Adults and children should stay indoors and, if necessary, call the emergency number 112. At present, there is no direct danger to the life and health of the population, but preventive measures are mandatory until the air quality returns to normal, the municipality said Tuesday.