A large-scale fire in Haskovo broke out today around noon in the lands of the villages of Dinevo, Lyubenovo and Krivo Pole. According to preliminary data from the Haskovo District Administration, the fire has already covered over 5000 acres of area. 17 fire teams with about 60 firefighters, forestry employees, farmers with heavy equipment and volunteers are working on the ground.
The fire containment operations are being conducted in conditions of extreme fire risk for the district. Due to the strong and variable wind and the difficult terrain, a military helicopter "Cougar" (AS 532 AL Cougar) from the "Krumovo" airbase also joined the air operation.
Cougar helicopter and the army joined the firefighting
A specialized military helicopter took off from the "Krumovo" airbase at 16:55 to assist in the firefighting. Together with it, 17 servicemen from the Land Forces were sent to the field with 4 units of specialized equipment. The flames have also affected parts of the territory of the Military Training Range “Koren“, where fortunately no military training is currently being conducted.
Initial data from the Ministry of Defense indicate that the fire started in a landfill near the village of Dinevo. At the moment, the fire is spreading mainly in dry grass and bushes located in close proximity to a large forest massif. Firefighters are doing everything they can to control the front to prevent the flames from entering the forest.
Is there a danger to nearby villages and settlements?
Haskovo Regional Governor Todor Ivanov told the media that at this time there is no direct danger to the population and the surrounding villages. However, the situation remains dynamic due to changes in wind direction. The authorities are fully prepared to activate the national early warning system BG-ALERT and begin evacuation if even the slightest risk to citizens arises. Local farmers and agricultural producers are actively helping with tractors to clear clearings.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, another fire broke out in the region — between the villages of Troyan and Pyasychevo (Simeonovgrad municipality), which was quickly localized thanks to redirected teams.