The fire at Maritsa East mines brought under control

The fire in Mine 2 of Maritsa East Mines (Stara Zagora district, south-central Bulgaria) has been brought under control. It occurred yesterday afternoon (October 23) and by the evening engulfed dry grasses on the embankments. Four fire fighting teams batttled the fire all night.

Firefighters prevented it from spreading. The fire front was several kilometres away from the heavy mining equipment. It did not pose a risk to the mine workers or residents from the local communities.

The extinguishing was hampered by the dense vegetation in places and the areas that were difficult to access. Heavy machinery made clearings to stop the fire spreading. Firefighters remained on the scene until it was completely extinguished.