site.bta700 Hectares of Land Affected by Fire North of Stara Zagora

The area affected by the large fire raging north of Stara Zagora is currently about 700 hectares, according to preliminary information, Director of the Stara Zagora State Forestry Enterprise Ivan Chergelanov told reporters. The exact forest area affected is yet to be determined.

Chergelanov pointed out that forced logging is likely to take place in some parts ravaged by the fire.

Firefighters from Stara Zagora, Kazanlak and Sofia, military personnel and volunteers are battling the fire, that started on Monday at around 3.30 p.m. The local administration reported that nearly 70 volunteers took part in battling the fire on Tuesday morning. Stara Zagora Municipality Secretary, Nikolay Dikov, is at the scene coordinating the efforts.

The parliamentary group of the Socialists (BSP) has moved for a hearing of the caretaker Prime Minister, the Interior Minister and the Agriculture Minister on the measures that are being taken to control the fires across the country and the options for supporting those harmed by the fires. BSP floor leader Borislav Gutsanov is quoted as saying that Parliament, in dialogue with the executive power branch, must map out measures for dealing with the aftermath of fires and helping those who suffered damage. Parliament is about to consider a draft budget update submitted by the caretaker Cabinet, and now is the right time to plan the necessary funding, he argued. BSP propose that the hearing be held on July 17.