A major wildfire broke out near the Struma highway in southwestern Bulgaria on Thursday afternoon, with flames spreading between the villages of Levunovo and General Todorov in Sandanski Municipality. One person was injured in the blaze and required emergency medical evacuation.
The Emergency Department in Blagoevgrad said a 60-year-old man suffered serious burns covering around 30% of his body. An air ambulance has been arranged to transport him to a specialized medical facility where he can receive further treatment.
Medical officials said they do not yet have details about how the man was injured or whether he was involved in firefighting efforts. The transfer was organized due to the need for specialized medical care.
The fire started around 2:00 p.m. and quickly developed into a large-scale emergency due to its proximity to the Struma Motorway. Firefighters from the regional units in Petrich and Sandanski were deployed to the scene, with five teams and around 20 volunteers taking part in efforts to contain the flames.
Four fire engines from Sandanski and another from Petrich are currently battling the blaze. Fire authorities said the fire has a wide front and that teams are working to prevent further expansion.
