A major fire closed the “Trakiya” highway; two helicopters were deployed to help extinguish the blaze

A massive fire near the 69th kilometer has completely blocked traffic on the Trakia Highway in both directions. At around 3:00 p.m. the flames spread across the highway, forcing its immediate closure.

Traffic is being rerouted via the “Mirovo” interchange (Highway I-8) – Kostenets – Belovo – Pazardzhik – the “Gelemenovo” interchange and back. Traffic is also temporarily restricted for heavy-duty vehicles weighing over 12 metric tons heading toward Plovdiv, with all trucks waiting at the Sofia exit.

The fire broke out shortly before noon between the villages of Tserovo and Slavovitsa in the Pazardzhik region. Due to the wind and high temperatures, it spread rapidly and currently covers an area of over 1,000 decares.

Near the turnoff for Velingrad, dry grass is burning, and vineyards have also been engulfed. The fire has also spread to the nearby forest, affecting oak groves. Although earlier in the day strong winds drove the fire front directly toward the village of Tserovo, the threat has now been brought under control.

The Lesichovo Municipality and the police have warned that, due to the storm, the road to the village will most likely be closed soon.

Due to the complicated situation in the fight against the wildfire in the area around the village of Slavovitsa, Pazardzhik Province, military helicopters were also deployed. The AS 532 AL Cougar helicopter from the 24th Air Base took off at 3:28 p.m. at the request of the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection. The crew is assisting with firefighting efforts from the air.

A total of 14 fire trucks, dozens of firefighters, employees of the State Forestry Service, and volunteers are working on the ground.