Fires break out in record heat wave in Bulgaria

SOFIA (AFP) Jul 02, 2003
Fires broke out in farming areas of Bulgaria Wednesday as the country experienced some of its hottest weather in a century, according to the weather service.

No damage was reported. But heavy goods trucks weighing more than 20 tonnes were ordered to stay off roads as a precautionary safety measure.

Record highs were reached particularly in the north and west, soaring to 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrneheit) at Ruse on the River Danube.

Temperatures reached 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) at Veliko Tarnovo in the centre, 37 Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) at Burgas on the Black Sea, and 32 Celsius (90 Fahrneheit) in the capital Sofia.

Countryside blazes were reported in the centre and north.

Sofia emergency services said there had been an increase in the number of cases of heart attacks and cerebral haemorrhages.

TERRA.WIRE