site.btaUPDATED Wildfire Near Ilindentsi Engulfs Over 4,000 Hectares, Spreads Into Pirin National Park

The wildfire raging near the southwestern village of Ilindentsi has now likely consumed more than 4,000 hectares and has spread into Pirin National Park, according to Blagoevgrad Regional Governor Georgi Dinev.

The emergency BG-ALERT system was activated late last night after the fire perimeter reached dangerously close to the nearby village of Ploski, Dinev confirmed.

“This prompted us to trigger the early warning system and evacuate residents from the village,” Dinev explained. “It was primarily a preventive measure, taken because the strong wind was intensifying the blaze and it was approaching the settlement at an alarming pace.”

The evacuation decision was made quickly to avoid panic during the night. “People were frightened by the uncertainty. There was no major unrest, but residents were understandably concerned about their homes, their belongings, and their animals,” Dinev said, thanking the people of Ploski for their cooperation and praising the Interior Ministry teams for their professionalism.

Preparations for a potential evacuation had been made earlier in the day, not just for Ploski but for other villages as well, should the fire spread further. Once the evacuation order was issued, it was carried out in about an hour, with transportation arranged to take evacuees to the nearby town of Sandanski.

Sandanski Mayor Atanas Stoyanov stated that the decision on when residents of the evacuated village of Ploski can return to their homes will be made by law enforcement and emergency authorities.

“What depends on us in terms of logistics and organization will be done,” he assured. “I appeal for understanding and patience. An extraordinary situation requires extraordinary measures,” Stoyanov added.

Authorities continue to closely monitor all settlements near the fire perimeter, with firefighters, forest rangers, and police deployed in each at-risk village.

Governor Dinev acknowledged that the situation is growing more serious. “I hope the forecast today is more favorable — that the wind won’t be as strong or as changeable. The fire now covers perhaps more than 3,000 to 4,000 hectares, including areas within Pirin National Park, which complicates efforts to contain it,” he added.