site.btaWildfire near Harmanli Eases, Village of Dositeevo Out of Danger

The wildfire near the village of Dositeevo near Harmanli (Southern Bulgaria) has calmed since Tuesday night, said Wednesday Senior Commissioner Mitko Chakalov, Director of the Haskovo Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection. He added that the fire front above the village has almost completely died down, but as a precaution, a firebreak is being created in case the wind picks up and reignites the blaze.

The fire broke out on Monday in the protected Radinchevo area between the villages of Dositeevo, Izvorovo, and Kolarovo, on the western slopes of the Sakar mountain. Due to the fire’s rapid spread, Harmanli Municipality declared a partial state of emergency in the area. Regional Governor Zdravkova activated the BG-Alert system to issue an evacuation warning for Dositeevo residents. Later in the evening, a military Cougar helicopter and two firefighting aircraft provided by Sweden joined the suppression efforts.

The state of emergency remains in effect for the Radinchevo area, as well as the villages of Dositeevo, Izvorovo, and Kolarovo, confirmed Harmanli Mayor Maria Kirkova. She said the Мunicipality stands ready to provide any necessary support to residents.