site.btaBlaze Near Ilindentsi Poses Threat to Nearby Settlements, Local Town Mayor Says

Тhe wildfire raging near the southwestern village of Ilindentsi continues to escalate and now poses a serious threat to additional settlements, particularly the nearby village of Lilyanovo, warned Sandanski Mayor Atanas Stoyanov.

Speaking to reporters at a briefing in the village of Ploski, Stoyanov emphasized the urgency of deploying aerial firefighting efforts. “What I would like to see is daily water-dousing of the fire by aircraft—not just a one-time response,” he said.

“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 earlier in the day. He noted that most likely, operations will begin on one of the fronts near the village of Ploski.

Mayor Stoyanov said that heavy tracked machinery has been sent to Lilyanovo to clear firebreaks and help limit the fire’s potential spread. On the ground, there are currently four fire engines, local police, the village mayor, and members of Sandanski’s volunteer firefighting unit. While the flames are still some distance from the village, strong winds are fueling concerns that the fire could advance quickly, Stoyanov explained.

“There is also a real risk of smoke spreading,” he added, calling this potentially the largest wildfire Bulgaria has seen in decades. “Smoke and declining air quality are inevitable under these circumstances. I hope this is temporary and that the airborne particles will disperse quickly.”

The Sandanski Municipality has issued health advisories urging residents and visitors to avoid spending prolonged periods outdoors unless absolutely necessary. Citizens are advised to keep windows and doors closed and refrain from airing out homes or workplaces when smoke or an unusual smell is present. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are especially urged to avoid physical exertion and outdoor exposure in smoky conditions.

Although there is currently no direct threat to life or health, the municipality stressed that preventive measures remain essential until air quality is fully restored.

Mayor Stoyanov noted that the situation remains both complex and rapidly changing, as efforts to contain the fire—now burning for a sixth consecutive day—continue alongside growing concerns about air pollution.

Blagoevgrad Regional Governor Georgi Dinev said earlier in the day that the wildfire raging near the village of Ilindentsi has now likely consumed more than 4,000 hectares and has spread into Pirin National Park.