In a relentless 24-hour battle against flames across Bulgaria, firefighters managed to extinguish a staggering 142 fires, leaving two individuals injured.
This was confirmed by the Main Directorate for Fire Safety and Protection of the Population at the Ministry of the Interior.
The update, issued early this morning at 6:00 AM, also revealed that firefighters responded to a total of 176 accident reports, underscoring the intense demands placed on emergency services.
Among the fires, 24 incidents resulted in direct material damage, ranging from residential buildings to vehicles and forest areas.
Of the damaged structures, 11 residential buildings were affected, with one fire breaking out in an industrial facility, raising concerns about safety measures in workplaces.
Fires also ravaged auxiliary or temporary structures, vehicles, and outdoor facilities, contributing to the widespread destruction seen over the past day.
The report also highlighted the vulnerability of Bulgaria’s natural resources, with three fires breaking out in forest areas and another on agricultural land.
These incidents come amid warnings of high fire risks due to the ongoing dry and hot conditions that have gripped the region.
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to exercise caution, particularly when dealing with flammable materials in vulnerable areas.
Firefighters were also busy combating a large number of fires that did not cause material damage but posed significant environmental and safety risks.
A total of 118 fires fell into this category, with 72 incidents involving dry grass, forest litter, and bushes.
As the summer season progresses, these types of fires have become increasingly common, exacerbated by the dry weather.
Additionally, two fires occurred in stubble fields, often a consequence of agricultural activities that can quickly spiral out of control under hot and dry conditions.
Waste management also became a fire hazard during this period, with 38 fires breaking out in waste areas.
These incidents further strained firefighting resources as authorities raced to prevent these flames from spreading to nearby communities and causing additional damage.
Despite the high volume of incidents, authorities recorded 12 false alarms during the past 24 hours, a reminder of the challenges faced by emergency responders.
False alarms not only divert crucial resources but also delay responses to real emergencies, particularly during times of heightened fire risk.
The injuries reported in the incidents have raised concerns about the safety of both citizens and firefighters.
No details were provided about the conditions of the injured individuals, but their injuries serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fire outbreaks, particularly during the summer months when fire risks are elevated.
As Bulgaria continues to face a heightened fire risk, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any signs of fire immediately.
The combination of dry conditions and high temperatures has created a volatile environment where even a small spark can lead to devastating consequences.
With emergency services stretched thin, cooperation between the public and firefighting authorities is critical to preventing future incidents.
As the country braces for more hot and dry weather, the focus remains on protecting lives, property, and the nation’s valuable natural resources from the ongoing threat of fires.