site.btaLight Rain Is Reported in Ilindentsi Wildfire Area

Rain has started to fall in the area of the wildfire near the village of Ilindentsi. Ivan Rizov, Director of the State Forestry Department in Strumyani, told BTA that the rain is still light. "It’s currently drizzling in the fire zone. We hope it intensifies, as we need prolonged rainfall to help contain the fire," Rizov added.

According to him, efforts on the ground are focused on two fronts – high in the mountains above the village of Ploski and above the villa area of Vlahi. The fire has not yet been brought under control. Between 150 and 200 people are currently fighting the blaze, which has been burning for seven days. On Wednesday, six helicopters were involved in the firefighting efforts. On Thursday, aerial support depends on the weather forecast. For now, there is no danger to populated areas, the director also reported.

Last night the fire likely expanded again, having already engulfed several thousand decares.  The exact size of the affected area has yet to be determined. “The fire is large, and once we manage to contain and localize it, we will be able to provide an accurate figure for the area affected,” said Rizov. “Among forest fires, this is most likely the largest one ever recorded since wildfire tracking began,” he added.

“We are praying for rain, as at the moment it is the most helpful thing. At the very least, it would lower the fire to the ground level, giving us a chance to move in and begin containing it along the perimeter. If a heavy rain starts, it could begin to extinguish the fire,” concluded the director of the Strumyani Forestry Farm.

The fire in the area of the village of Ilindentsi broke out at 8:42 pm. on July 25. The cause is still under investigation. Because the fire approached the village of Ploski, an evacuation of its residents was carried out on Tuesday.