site.btaUPDATED PM Glavchev Asks Landowners, Construction Companies for Help Fighting the Blaze

Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev turned to landowners and owners of construction companies with an appeal to join in extinguishing the fires that have been ravaging the country.

"Landowners and owners of construction companies who have large equipment, if they wish, should also join in helping to extinguish the fires, with the full coordination of the Ministry of Interior," caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said at the start of Wednesday’s government meeting.

According to Glavchev, when businesses are helped by the State, it is only fair that they, in turn, should offer help when the State and its citizens need it.

Regarding the operational task force set up to fight the fire, Glavchev said that so far the coordination between all institutions is at an excellent level. “From day one we have been in continuous contact with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture, all those with whom such a connection should be maintained. We have formalised these relations in order to speed up the process even more so that there is an instant reaction when an alert is received,” Glavchev said. He also reminded that in addition to the emergency number 112, the Interior Ministry has a new hotline only for the purpose of reporting fires: 02/ 901 12 68.

Glavchev highlighted the excellent work of the firefighters, military personnel and volunteers who have joined the continuing effort.

In connection with the increased fires in the country, the National Association of Grain Producers announces its full readiness to support the fight against fire. Twenty-one coordinators from different regions have been deployed to assist the fire services as and when required and to send volunteers with machinery.

Farmers have agricultural equipment that can be helpful in hauling water carriers and making clearings in necessary areas to prevent the fire from spreading and to protect farmland, forests and people's homes.

A list has been sent to the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection with contacts of coordinators from all regional associations. If help is needed in a particular region, fire teams can contact the contact person located near the localized fire to send volunteers with machinery.