Prime Minister Zhelyazkov: Four helicopters and two planes will join the firefighting under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

Four helicopters from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and France and two planes from Sweden will join the firefighting on the territory of Bulgaria. This was announced by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. Bulgaria will receive assistance to extinguish the fires under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which was activated yesterday. The Prime Minister emphasized that it is evident that the European mechanism is working and European solidarity in the face of the Member States is activated instantly.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov once again called on citizens to be careful when carrying out fire-hazardous activities, especially around their homes, and not to throw away unextinguished cigarettes. "We have been repeating the measures for years, but still 95% of the fires are due to human negligence," pointed out Rosen Zhelyazkov.

Two helicopters of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, equipped with the so-called "Bambi Bucket", as well as 50 servicemen from the Bulgarian Army, are involved in extinguishing the fires today.

The situation is most serious in the areas of the three fires - near Strumyani, in the Tran region, and near Lesovo. There, the fire has crossed into Turkish territory. Firefighting is being carried out on both sides of the border.

"We have no data on human casualties or injured citizens or firefighters. The headquarters that is working is constantly monitoring the situation," emphasized Prime Minister Zhelyazkov.