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80 firefighters try to put out high-altitude fires in Bulgaria's Rila Mountain for third day running

published on 5/27/22 12:58 PM

Fires at Rila Mountain, 26 May 2022

Photo: BGNES

Specialized equipment has been used to make a passing through snow drifts near Makedonia Hut so fire fighters can reach high-altitude fires in the Rila Mountains. The fires are burning across an area of 37 hectares at 1,800 metres above sea level.

80 firefighters and forest workers are battling the disaster for the third day running. The only possible method of putting out the fire at this altitude is by hand. Conditions in the area are extremely difficult, so the participation of volunteers is not allowed. In many areas there are rocky slopes and danger of falling debris.

The fire is expanding, but in the direction of unforested areas, as authorities are prepared to include a helicopter in the fire-fighting efforts.

There is no danger for the emblematic Rila Monastery, because the fire's location is far from the monastery, the authorities in Kyustendil announced.

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Radio Bulgaria News fire firefighters high altitude mountain Rila Mountain