Slavyanka Mountain wildfires prompt military helicopter deployment

Emergency services are battling two wildfires in the Slavyanka Mountain region near the village of Goleshevo, Sandanski municipality. The fires, which may have been ignited by lightning during a recent storm, are located in extremely difficult-to-reach terrain, making it impossible for standard firefighting vehicles to access the sites.

Firefighters and foresters are forced to rely on manual labor, using shovels and specialized water backpacks to combat the flames. To assist with the operation, the Ministry of Defense has deployed an AS 532 AL Cougar helicopter from the 24th Aviation Base for aerial firefighting. Additionally, Border Police helicopters are being used to transport personnel and equipment to the remote locations.

Over 40 personnel, including teams from the Blagoevgrad Fire Department, the South-West State Enterprise, and Pirin National Park, are involved in the operation. While one fire has been limited to approximately 50 decares of pine forest, the exact area affected by the second fire remains uncertain due to its location in a low-lying ravine.