site.btaKresna Gorge Fire Put Down, Cattle Harder Charged with Starting the Flames

Sofia, August 29 (BTA) - A large fire which engulfed thousands of acres of forests in Kresna Gorge and caused an environmental catastrophe, has been put down. The Interior Ministry said Tuesday that all flames have been extinguished and that small patches in the centre of the fire continue to smoulder but are not considered a threat. Also on Tuesday, a 30-year-old cattle herder was arrested for starting the flames which spread across Kresna Gorge.

The prosecution will charge him with negligently starting a fire which caused damage worth 3.3 million leva. He faces a prison sentence of up to five years upon conviction.

Police presence on a major road across Kresna Gorge has been beefed up. People who have left their homes in nearby villages in a view of the risk for the fire to spread farther, have been told it is now safe to return.

Traffic in the area is back to normal. Power supply has been restored.

Interior Minister Valentin Radev urged local people to be extra cautious when they handle fire and told people driving through the Gorge never to throw out their car windows cigarette stubs because of the heightened fire hazard.

An average of 500 people, including firefighters, foresters and volunteers participated every day in the six-day efforts to suppress the Kresna fire. They had at their disposal 70 machines and vehicles, as well as two military and one private helicopter.