Cold War-era mines complicate firefighting at Greek-Bulgarian border
Firefighting on Slavyanka Mountain on the border between Greece and Bulgaria has been suspended because of explosions in the area, linked to a large minefield dating from the Cold War era, Bulgarian National Radio reported on July 30.
Although Bulgarian firefighters had been on the ground since 5am, trying to control the fire outbreaks that happened during the night because of the strong wind, later there were explosions in the area of the minefield and firefighting was suspended.
On July 29, Greek firefighter also suspended work, for the same reason, explosions in the area of the minefield.
Firefighting efforts are being assisted by two aircraft sent by France after Bulgaria activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Aerial firefighting is crucial because of the mines in the area.
Teams on both sides of the border have been battling the blaze for 10 days. On the Bulgarian side, military personnel were once again involved in firefighting on July 30, the Defence Ministry said.
The mines are reported to be on the Greek side of the border and are left over from a large field that was cleared years ago. The mines date from a time when, while Greece was a Nato member, Bulgarian then was part of the Soviet Union’s Warsaw Pact. The two countries are now allies in Nato.
(Photo: Defence Ministry)
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