site.btaSmolyan Fire Rages On

Smolyan Fire Rages On

Smolyan, Southern Bulgaria, November 13 (BTA) - The state of emergency proclaimed in Smolyan on Thursday remains in place on Friday despite earlier reports that the forest fire near the town had been contained, Smolyan Town Hall said. Hundreds of firefighters, military personnel, forestry workers and volunteers continue to combat the blaze, which intensified in some spots during the night.

The disaster has affected 25 hectares of mixed (coniferous and deciduous) forest, but poses no danger to settlements.

Three groups of firefighters and volunteers approached the fire from different access points on Friday morning. Access is difficult and the crews have to get to the site on foot. They are making clearings in the wood to try and get vehicles and equipment through.

The causes for the fire are being investigated. One theory is that it was started by a flying Chinese lantern which was noticed by local people on Thursday.