Fires in Debrca burn over 50 hectares after stubble burning; cornfields and solar plant saved
Over 50 hectares of grass and farmland burned after stubble burning; crews fought the blaze for three hours and authorities urge chimney cleaning.
Irresponsible burning of stubble and field waste after autumn farm work sparked several active fires in Debrca Municipality, consuming large stretches of grass, low vegetation and agricultural land. Along the stretch from the village of Belchishta toward Leshani and Zlesti, more than 50 hectares of field land with tall dry vegetation were scorched.
Fire crews battled the blaze for about three hours and managed to prevent complete destruction of private corn crops and a nearby photovoltaic plant that were on the brink of being lost.
Regional firefighting services, including firefighters from Kichevo, joined the response. Local authorities say the incidents highlight an alarming level of human negligence and warn that careless burning strains the capacities of emergency units.
Fire services urge chimney cleaning before cold season
Alongside appeals to avoid open burning in fields, fire departments across the region issued a strong warning to residents to clean chimneys ahead of the heating season, noting that clogged chimneys are a frequent cause of house fires and material damage.
Firefighters remind the public that most fires at this time of year are caused by human actions. They stressed that irresponsible burning of agricultural waste depletes firefighting resources and that unchecked chimneys are among the leading causes of structure fires every autumn.
Citizens who notice smoke, open flames or faulty installations are asked to report them immediately to the Fire Department at the free number 193 or to the Center for Crisis Management at 112.
Photo: press material from the event
