„ Extinguishing fires is not the main function of the Bulgarian Army, maybe the option of having our own aircraft is better”. This was stated by the director of the Main Directorate "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population". (PBZN) Commissioner Alexander Zhartov in the program “The Live Day” on NOVA NEWS. He explained that they had close cooperation with the Air Force and requested additional help from the Czech Republic and Spain under the “Civil Protection” from the EU.
„With so many fires in the country, we did not allow citizens to die and get injured, our employees were injured - two in Harmanli and one in Breznik”, explained firefighter number one.
„For several days we guarded the strip of fire on the Greek border, the fire moved extremely slowly. Yesterday there was a change, the wind changed its direction. There is a minor border crossing – 2-3 m, but it is under control. "Thanks to the rain, the fire has been contained," Zhartov explained.
„At the moment, there are no indications of the fire spreading on our territory. We do not allow employees and equipment to enter the mine field. Aviation equipment is usually used, which is also specified, because if you fly low and release large amounts of water, it is possible to trigger a mine, explained the dangers firefighter number one.
Regarding the speed with which the fire in the village of Voden spread to the village and the failure to use the early warning system, he said that it was not activated automatically. “The BG-ALERT early warning system is not triggered automatically. Someone has to decide to use it, the relevant details have to be filled and reflected in the platform through which the system is triggered, and a message has to be written. Advance notices may also be used. The process itself is not automated. It takes time to make a decision. Once one is taken, then the technological time for disclosure is very short. The situation in the village of Voden has changed extremely quickly," Zhartov added.