Fire on Greece-Bulgaria Border Contained Above Petrovo and Goleshovo Villages

Emergency responders successfully halted a wildfire on the Greece-Bulgaria border, preventing its spread into Bulgarian territory above Petrovo and Goleshovo villages.

The fire, which began yesterday evening and approached the borderline, was swiftly contained thanks to the concerted efforts of firefighters, forest officials, and the military. Brief rainfall in the area also contributed to suppressing the blaze, and there have been no reports of new outbreaks on Bulgarian soil.

Throughout the night, more than 30 firefighters, supported by three fire engines, remained vigilant at the scene to ensure the fire did not breach the border. Today, authorities plan to deploy a drone to monitor for any remaining hotspots or potential movement of the fire toward Bulgarian territory. Initial assessments indicate that while there are still active fires on Greek soil, they are being managed effectively.

An operational headquarters meeting scheduled for this morning will determine the next steps in managing the situation. Plamen Poyukov, head of the Katuntsi State Police Department, assured the public on BNT that the situation remained stable overnight. He confirmed that the fire is under control and emphasized the presence of adequate resources and personnel to handle any developments. Despite visible smoke, authorities remain prepared to respond swiftly if needed.

Major Borislav Voinov, commander of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion in Blagoevgrad, highlighted the challenges posed by the terrain, including the presence of minefields complicating firefighting efforts. The rugged landscape and anti-personnel mines made of Bakelite, which are undetectable by metal detectors, add complexity to ensuring the area remains secure and accessible for emergency response teams.