site.btaEvacuees from Fire-Hit Ploski Village Will Return Home Once Their Safety Is Guaranteed - Chief Commissioner Dzhartov

Speaking here on Wednesday, Chief Commissioner Aleksandar Dzhartov, Director of the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection, said that residents evacuated from the village of Ploski, Southwestern Bulgaria, will be allowed to return home once their safety is guaranteed.

Dzhartov added that earlier in the day, shifting winds in the area around the village of Ilindentsi had caused new fire outbreaks. He urged the residents to remain calm and patient, noting that their property is being protected.

The Chief Commissioner said that six helicopters and two aircraft were deployed to assist firefighting efforts on Wednesday afternoon and brought the new outbreaks under control. Dzhartov noted that there is currently no threat to the settlements. "Any front that is not contained is critical. There is no danger to Lilianovo. We have created firebreaks and are carrying out patrols," he said. Dzhartov also spoke of ongoing fires in the east, saying the exact size of the affected area is still unclear due to smoke. One of the fire fronts north of Ploski has already been contained, he added.

He praised the efforts of firefighters, noting that they have been working under intense conditions for the past 30 days. "We have mobilized all resources. No lives have been lost. No more volunteers are needed, as operations are now focused on high-risk areas," the Chief Commissioner said.

Dzhartov added that the situation across the country has calmed down compared to previous days. Some 100 fires have been recorded.