site.btaOver 150 Continue to Fight Wildfire in Pirin Mountain

Over 150 people on the ground continue to fight the wildfire in the Pirin Mountain.

There are 15 employees from the Pirin National Park, 70 firefighters, about 50 forestry workers from the region, and around 20 military personnel, fighting the fire, said Commissioner Valentin Vasilev, Director of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection in Blagoevgrad, in a statement to BTA.

Two helicopters are on site, assisting firefighters in their efforts to contain the wildfire in Pirin, Commissioner Vasilev told BTA. He reported that there was no expansion of the fire perimeter yesterday, which, in his words, is very positive. Another good sign is that there was no crown fire activity.

“We are working on both fire sources — above Ilindentsi in Strumyani Municipality and above the village of Ploski in Sandanski Municipality. The number of teams remains the same: 15 employees from Pirin National Park, 70 firefighters, about 50 forestry workers from the region, and around 20 military personnel," Vasilev said.

Simeon Efremov, director of the forestry enterprise in Sandanski, told BTA that the situation has calmed down. The fire is contained, water is being dumped on the flames, and firebreaks are being made.

"I can't say the fire is under control, because at any moment the wind could pick up, reignite the hotspots, and quickly turn the situation for the worse. The fire is not under control. It's calmer, but the hot spots are still active," said the director of the forestry enterprise.

The wildfire near the village of Ilindentsi broke out on July 25 at around 8.42 pm.

Three fire engines with eight firefighters from Blagoevgrad were immediately dispatched, along with staff from the State Forestry Department. Despite the quick response, the fire spread rapidly.

Five people living in the villa zone above the village of Ilindentsi had to be evacuated.

Due to the escalating situation, on July 29, Regional Governor Georgi Dinev activated the BG-ALERT system for emergency evacuation in the area of the village of Ploski, near Sandanski.

More than 400 people were evacuated, and they returned to their homes two days later.

More Volunteers Wanted

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the National Association of Volunteers in Bulgaria announced that volunteers are needed for the Ilindentsi fire on Friday.

All volunteers must report to the designated assembly point between 5 am and 10 am, during which time transportation arrangements for volunteers will be organized.

Unorganized volunteers will also be allowed to join, provided all safety measures are strictly followed.

According to the association, volunteers participating in forest fire suppression should ideally wear fire-resistant protective clothing, a helmet, safety goggles, a respirator or face mask, heat-resistant gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.

The National Association of Volunteers notes that if volunteers do not have fireproof clothing, they should come prepared with long, non-synthetic clothing, reflective elements, gloves, goggles, and masks.

They are also required to bring their own food and water.