site.btaArea of Ilindentsi Wildfire Is Being Patrolled

The area around the wildfire near the village of Ilindentsi is currently being patrolled, with smouldering hotspots still visible in some locations, Ilindentsi Mayor Boyko Ibrishimov told BTA. Forestry officials are inspecting the terrain. “For now, things are calm here. I’m also heading out to inspect the entire area,” the mayor added.

He said that the measure is preventive, aimed at extinguishing any remaining embers. The fire was brought under control following Thursday’s rainfall, but according to the mayor, the amount of rain was not significant, and rising temperatures could reignite the blaze. That's why steps are being taken to fully extinguish all remaining hotspots.

“Last night I was informed that there was still smoke coming from two spots. They were burning tree stumps. I instructed them to cover them with soil to prevent the fire from spreading,” Ibrishimov explained. He believes the area affected by the fire is extensive, likely exceeding 6,000 hectares. The terrain will remain under constant surveillance.

The fire started in the lands around Ilindentsi at 8.42 pm on Friday. Three fire trucks and eight firefighters from the Regional Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection in Blagoevgrad were immediately dispatched, along with personnel from the State Forestry Agency. Despite the rapid response, the blaze spread quickly.

The cause of the fire, which ignited under a power line in the village of Ilindentsi, is still being investigated.

Firefighters from across the country, forestry officials from the Southwestern State Enterprise, numerous volunteers, and military personnel were involved in the firefighting effort.

Bulgarian, Slovak, and Hungarian air crews joined the effort using AS-532 AL Cougar, Black Hawk, and Caracal helicopters. Later, a Czech crew with a Black Hawk also joined, strengthening the aerial firefighting operations in the Blagoevgrad region during the afternoon hours, the Ministry of Defence reported.