Raging Wildfires Sweep Across Bulgaria
Unprecedented wildfires sweep across Bulgaria, destroying thousands of acres and prompting EU emergency response. Multiple countries join efforts to combat the spreading inferno.
Southeastern Europe is burning, with Bulgaria is the latest victim of the relentless wildfire wave sweeping across the region. Following devastating blazes in Greece and Turkey, Bulgaria has been battling massive wildfires since Saturday that have scorched thousands of acres of forest and farmland.
At least 100 active fire zones were reported across the country on Sunday, with entire villages and homes reduced to ash. Emergency crews have been overwhelmed, and at several hotspots, firefighters were forced to retreat for their own safety as the flames became uncontrollable.
Bulgaria has formally requested disaster assistance from the European Union, activating the EU’s emergency aid clause. Firefighting helicopters from Hungary, Slovakia, and France have already been dispatched, with additional reinforcements from Sweden expected today.
“This is a ruthless tragedy,” said firefighter volunteer Zvezdelin Vlaikov. “In all my years of firefighting, I’ve never seen anything like this,” he added, watching as towering clouds of smoke rose over the hills.
Authorities believe that some of the fires were caused by negligence, such as discarded cigarettes, while others were deliberately set. Several suspects have been arrested, according to the Bulgarian police.
In a particularly dangerous development, the fires have crossed international borders, spreading into Turkey in the southeast and Serbia in the west. Fire crews from all three countries have been working together to contain the flames.
The situation remains critical as high winds and dry weather continue to fuel the inferno. Bulgaria’s government has urged citizens to remain alert and to avoid forested areas under threat.