Chepelare, Bulgaria: The Chepelare Municipality informs that the fires are localized, and the atmosphere is calm. There is no danger for the population of Chepelare; the fire is far away.
Due to the large fire outbreak on August 29, near the village of Hvojna, a partial state of emergency was implemented in the Chepelare municipality and is still in effect.
Teams from the fire department were on duty there throughout the night, and Chepelare’s deputy mayor, Stoyan Kuzmov, thanked everyone who came forward to help put out the fire.
Almost 600 acres of pine forest have been destroyed by the fire. Yesterday’s extinguishing was performed by more than 100 volunteers, firefighters, and local forestry workers. From the “Krumovo” air base, two military helicopters joined the battle against the fire.
Crews are on duty, water tanks are filled, a schedule has been made, and people in the village of Hwoyna are reassured that the situation is under control.
Mayor Stoyan Kuzmov hopes that tomorrow it will rain as forecasters and weather conditions, along with the professional actions of the services leading the extinguishing process to help fully control the fire near the village of Hvoyna.
On the occasion of reports received of problems with air pollution following the fires in the village area. Hvoyna, specialists from RZI-Smolyan, still recommend not to stay outdoors but to use masks or wet towels if necessary until the complete elimination of Wildfires.
The windows of the rooms should be kept closed and not ventilated until the pollution sounds. Children and people with lung diseases should be cautious, as toxic smoke and harmful dust particles still exist in the air.
Harmful forest fire smoke particles can penetrate through cloth masks, but still with some face covering and better. The optimal option is a well-placed mask (well-glued) with a high degree of filtration.