Plovdiv, Bulgaria – Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov expressed profound gratitude to the military and firefighting teams from the Czech Republic and Spain for their invaluable assistance in battling the widespread fires in Bulgaria, reports BNT.
Addressing the teams at Plovdiv Airport, Stoyanov commended their efforts, emphasizing that their help was instrumental in preventing any loss of life. He praised the collaborative spirit demonstrated, stating, “Together we proved that the EU is a powerful machine.”
The Czech and Spanish teams, equipped with two helicopters and two planes, arrived last week to support Bulgarian firefighters in their relentless battle against the flames.
The combined efforts of these international teams, along with additional aid from Turkey, played a crucial role in managing the extensive fires that have ravaged various parts of the country.
“The assistance from our European partners has been crucial,” Stoyanov remarked. “Their expertise and resources have significantly bolstered our firefighting capabilities, ensuring that we could contain the fires more effectively and prevent any loss of life.”
Minister Stoyanov took the opportunity to highlight the skill and dedication of Bulgarian firefighting teams, noting that their expertise is on par with that of their foreign counterparts.
“Our teams have shown remarkable resilience and proficiency in dealing with this crisis,” he said. “The collaboration with our European neighbors has not only provided immediate relief but also an invaluable exchange of knowledge and techniques.”
Providing an update on the situation at the Bulgarian-Greek border, Stoyanov reassured the public that the fire is under control and there is no immediate risk of it crossing into Bulgaria.
“Everything is under control there. The necessary measures have been taken,” he stated. He further mentioned that while the situation remains critical, the risk of the fire breaching Bulgaria’s borders in the next two days is minimal.
One of the significant challenges in the border region, according to Stoyanov, is the presence of old minefields in both Bulgaria and Greece.
These areas have posed a considerable risk to firefighting operations, necessitating restricted access. “The necessary breakthroughs have been made,” he said, referring to the strategic measures taken to navigate and neutralize these hazardous zones.
The cooperative efforts in firefighting have showcased the strength and solidarity of the European Union, with member states coming together to support one another in times of crisis.
The involvement of the Czech and Spanish teams, along with Turkey’s support, underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing natural disasters.
Stoyanov’s words of appreciation were met with applause from the assembled teams, who have worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to bring the fires under control.
The collaborative efforts have not only provided immediate relief to the affected regions but also strengthened the bonds of camaraderie and mutual support among the EU nations.
As Bulgaria continues to recover from the devastating fires, the government is focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens and preventing future occurrences.
The lessons learned from this crisis, coupled with the invaluable support from international partners, will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future firefighting strategies and preparedness.
In conclusion, Minister Stoyanov’s heartfelt thanks and the successful collaboration with Czech and Spanish teams exemplify the spirit of unity and resilience within the European Union, reinforcing the notion that together, they can overcome even the most daunting challenges.