site.btaHaskovo Declares State of Disaster over Wildfires

A state of disaster has been declared in the southern Haskovo Region over wildfires in nearly all constituent municipalities. Regional Governor Krassimir Angelov told BTA that he issued an order for that in the early afternoon on Wednesday.  The local administration has already asked the Defence Ministry to send service persons to help put out the wildfires.

The regional fire safety unit said that it has asked firefighters from the neighbouring regions to join them in the fire-fighting efforts.

The fires have spread on stubble, mixed forests and grassed areas. The burning area is widening due to the extreme temperatures and strong wind. There is a risk for the flames to reach people's homes, farms and crop fields, the local authorities say.

The biggest fire is reported near Dabovets in the Eastern Rhodope. More than ten fire engines have been sent there but the fire-fighting efforts are impeded by strong wind and rugged terrain.

A fire near the village of Oryahovo in Lyubimets Municipality has approached a solar park.

The Regional Governor has ordered foresters and volunteers to join the fire suppression efforts.