site.btaFire in Slavyanka Mountain Not Contained Yet

Fire Safety and Protection of the Population Director Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov said on the air of bTV on Monday morning that at this stage, the fire in Slavyanka mountain has not yet been contained.

On Sunday, the western front of the fire was contained and the firefighters did not allow any more points of entry into Bulgarian territory from Greece. Currently, the eastern front of the fire is spreading, Dzhartov said, adding that Air Force helicopters will be involved in its extinguishing, as well as firefighters from Spain.

Dzhartov also noted that the rainfall on Sunday was not enough to extinguish the fire. 

He explained that there are several reasons for the forest fires - lush vegetation that has dried up due to the heat, in combination with a stormy wind. Another reason is human activity, as some people light fires in unsafe places, throw away cigarette butts. 

In Elin Pelin, citizens should consult the local government, the police and the fire department about what they can do, Dzhartov advised. A large part of the measures have already been cancelled, the situation is gradually normalizing, he added.