After the major fires, the situation in the country is currently calm. This was stated on the air of the program “Your Day” on NOVA NEWS by Commissioner Kaloyan Donchev, Head of the National Operational Center at the National Fire Protection Agency.
“Rains have passed through the country, it continues to rain today. The fire above Ilindentsi is localized. There are small outbreaks that are being worked on”, said Commissioner Donchev. He explained that according to data from the EU “Copernicus” program, over 280,000 decares have burned in Bulgaria this year.
”The reasons are many – the changing climate, increasing temperatures, strong winds, low humidity of vegetation and of course - our negligence. "Currently, there are many pre-trial proceedings and investigations underway," Commissioner Donchev explained.
Firefighters, military and volunteers continue to fight the fire in Pirin
Todor Grozdanov from the National Association of Volunteers said that training and seminars on fire safety are being held.
„It is currently a fire season, lighting fires in nature is absolutely prohibited, especially in national parks. I have no explanation why people continue to light fires and leave them unprotected afterwards”, said Grozdanov.
„Volunteers are extremely important. There is no country that can maintain a resource in the fire services that can deal with such huge disasters”, said Commissioner Donchev.
”There are volunteers for every major fire”, added Todor Grozdanov. According to him, some are at the city halls. They are well trained and equipped. ”Among the spontaneous volunteers there are also well prepared ones, but there are also those who come in shorts and flip-flops. We urge them not to approach the fire because it is dangerous for them”, explained Commissioner Donchev.
Todor Grozdanov explained that there are about 3,500 registered trained volunteers in our country.
Todor Grozdanov explained that if a fire breaks out around us, we should call 112 and run.
„Run sideways, not downwind, because the fire develops downwind. Don't run to the top”, he explained.
The Fire Safety and Security Service is training children on fire response.
„There are „Young Firefighter” squads that participate in competitions. Colleagues from the state control provide training in schools. We have also built several training centers in the country”, said Commissioner Donchev.