Haskovo wildfires burn 10,000 decares near military training ground

A massive wildfire has scorched approximately 10,000 decares in the Haskovo region of Bulgaria, spreading between the villages of Dinevo, Lyubenovo, Malevo, and Krivo Pole. The blaze also entered the territory of the Koren military training ground.

Emergency response efforts involve approximately 60 firefighters, 17 specialized teams, foresters, volunteers, and military personnel. A Cougar helicopter from the 24th Aviation Base Kruvo has been deployed to assist in firefighting operations. While the fire has caused significant smoke and affected large areas of dry vegetation and forest, regional governor Todor Ivanov stated there is currently no immediate danger to nearby residential settlements.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with preliminary theories including a wind-damaged electrical cable or human intervention. In a separate but related incident in the same region, a smaller fire covering 700 decares was reported near the villages of Dryanovo, Tyanevo, and Troyan in the Simeonovo Grad municipality.

Extreme heat and strong winds have exacerbated the situation, making containment difficult. Officials have urged citizens and farmers to exercise extreme caution regarding open flames and agricultural activities.