site.btaSituation with Wildfires in Yambol, Haskovo Regions Is Calm, Strumyani Is Most Critical Site - Deputy Interior Ministry

The wildfires in the south-eastern regions of Yambol and Haskovo are currently under control, Deputy Minister of Interior Toni Todorov told reporters at Plovdiv Airport. The situation calmed down after several strategic moves were made. Over the past 24 hours, 139 fires have been reported in the country, he noted.

In the southern village of Ploski, firefighters and volunteers intervened effectively, stopping the fire some 100 to 150 metres from the settlement and directing it in another direction, Todorov explained.

The fire in Strumyani is currently the most critical point in the country, he added. For this reason, six helicopters will be working there, Todorov added. Two planes from Sweden are expected to land at Plovdiv Airport around noon on Wednesday under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. They will be directed to Strumyani.

There is currently a technical problem with the aircraft in Timisoara, Romania. There are certain requirements and rules that must be followed, and the safety of the pilots is paramount, Todorov said. According to him, after they land, a briefing is expected to be held and, if they are ready, they will start working. Although their water carrying capacity is approximately the same as that of helicopters, eight aircraft in the air will definitely work better, the Deputy Minister said.