Stoyan Denchev: Bulgaria is burning, but the heroism of our firefighters is indisputable

„EARTH AS ONE HUMAN PALM …“
Georgi Jagarov

Voden village, Kraynovo village, Bolyarovo town, Svilengrad, Hisar, Stara Zagora, Elhovo, Varna, Topolovgrad, Apriltsi village, Harmanli, Otets Paisievo village, Beklemeto, … – Yes, this is the map of mine, of our Bulgaria, which is burning…

I don't want to speculate about the causes of these fires, but I want to share some thoughts related to the heroism of the firefighters and the compassion and willingness to help on the part of ordinary Bulgarian citizens.

Pursuant to a contract from more than 10 years ago between UniBIT and the municipalities of Malko Tarnovo, Bolyarovo and Elhovo, the so-called International Southeast Summer University, within which students, doctoral students and professors from the University visit and work in the field in these municipalities. The municipalities of Kirkları and Edirne, on the territory of the Republic of Turkey, are also the object of their research activity.

During the recent fires in the villages of Voden and Kraynovo, students from UniBIT, led by the heart of Prof. Diana Stoyanova, together with specialists from the museum in the city of Yambol, performed their tasks in the area of "Little Kale". near the village of Voden.
On their way to the site, they encountered the fire barrier and, advised by the mayor of the municipality of Bolyarovo, Mr. Hristo Hristov and the mayor of the village of Voden, Mrs. Stoyanka Chakarova, returned to their base and expressed their readiness to include in rescue operations.

Later, with their own funds, they bought and filled the trunks of their cars with stacks of drinking water, food and hygiene materials for the firefighters and other volunteers, handing them over to the mayors of the villages of Voden and Kraynovo.

Concerned about our students and in agreement with the Rector of UniBIT, Prof. Irena Peteva, on Friday (July 19), in the late afternoon, I visited the lands of the villages of Voden and Kraynovo. Everywhere I could see, I saw the blackened and devastated land and the burnt homes of the people. I saw the fear and tragedy in their eyes. However, I also saw the state's attempts to deal with this fiery disaster.

The Minister of the Interior, Mr. Kalin Stoyanov, skillfully led and coordinated the actions of all those involved in extinguishing the fires and helping the affected local population. There were the head of the fire service, Chief Commissioner Jartov, the regional governor of Yambol region, Mr. Krasimir Dimitrov, head of the safety service of the Metropolitan Municipality, the mayors of the city of Bolyarovo, Mr. Hristo Hristov, of the city of Elhovo, Mr. Petar Gendov and in the village of Voden, Mrs. Stoyanka Chakarova.

Impeccable professionalism was also shown by 35 firefighters from neighboring Turkey. Under the leadership of Mr. Sali Erdan, head of the civil protection service and Mr. Ismail Karakandz, head of the so-called Kirkclarery Welsh Forest Fire Command, they successfully battled and “won” the fires in the village of Krainovo.

Last night, by order of Minister Stoyanov, the majority of the Turkish boys (27 people) were sent to sleep and rest in the town of Elhovo. The remaining 9 firefighters remained on duty in the village of Krainovo.

The attitude of the residents of Elhovo towards these Turkish boys and men was touching. Although Turks have never lived in our town (I was born and grew up in Elhovo) and are not living now, the people of Elhovo naturally expressed their respect for these brave men. After having dinner under the veranda of a vineyard in the center of the city, the Turkish firefighters together went to the “Colchida“ hotel, where the mayor of Elhovo, Mr. Petar Gendov, had arranged for them to be accommodated.

On their way, the citizens of Elhovo stopped them, tried to talk with them (with the active help of Mr. Orhan Yuseinov, deputy regional governor of Yambol), bowed down to them and applauded them wildly. They even brought out two cases of beer from a small restaurant and gave them as gifts for health.

This morning, together with the mayor of Elhovo and deputy. the regional governor, we had breakfast with our new Turkish friends, we each drank a neighbor's coffee and again with applause we sent them to the village of Kraynovo, and from there to their country.

The neighbor is like a brother – said the head of the Turkish group, and the mayor of Elhovo added that he knows himself in need!

Here, these are momentary touches from our country Bulgaria, which is only like “one human palm“