The National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAVRB) is developing a large-scale program for better fire response in more than 100 small settlements. The initiative is being implemented during an active fire season and is focused on prevention, preparation, and actions in the first minutes after a fire breaks out.
The project covers towns and villages in the districts of Blagoevgrad, Sofia-city, Sofia province, Haskovo, Lovech, and Pazardzhik. In each of the affected settlements, measures are planned to improve local organization, awareness, and the ability for initial response until professional teams arrive.
Depots, equipment, and training
Within the framework of the initiative, fire depots are being built, equipped with resources for local firefighting groups. In parallel, informational materials are being distributed with practical guidelines for limiting fire risk and coordinating spontaneous volunteers during an emergency.
Special attention is paid to people who can organize the first actions on the ground. The NAVRB conducts training for mayors of town halls and representatives of local administrations, dedicated to response and organization during forest fires.
"When a fire occurs, volunteers are often among the first on the scene and play an important role in protecting people, homes, and nature. But our work does not begin and end with the response to the incident itself. Investing in prevention, preparation, and knowledge is the most effective way to protect people and settlements. That is why it is especially important for us to reach smaller towns and villages, where good organization and available equipment can be decisive in the first minutes of a fire," commented Dr. Yasen Tsvetkov, Chairman of the Management Board of the NAVRB.
A donation to protect communities
The funds for the project are provided through a donation of over 100,000 euros, granted by The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to the NAVRB in 2025 to support the fight against forest fires. The donation is worth 200,000 BGN and is intended for equipment, transport, and initiatives to strengthen the resilience of local communities.
With the help of the funding, all-terrain fire vehicles, specialized tools, and field resources are provided. Part of the resource is directed toward the construction of depots and toward information campaigns on actions during disasters.
"For us, the true value of a partnership is measured by the long-term impact it leaves in communities. That is why, together with the NAVRB, we are directing our efforts not only to providing the necessary equipment for fire response but also to the prevention and preparation of people. We believe that when local communities have knowledge, organization, and appropriate resources at the same time, they can be much better prepared to respond in those critical first minutes. This is precisely the sustainable result we want to achieve with our support," stated Lilia Velinova, Manager of Corporate Partnerships and Social Responsibility at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria.
Practical skills for disasters
The partnership between the NAVRB and Coca-Cola HBC also includes initiatives for developing skills in emergency situations. Earlier in the year, experts and rescuers from the association trained company employees on actions during disasters, preparing an evacuation backpack, and providing first aid.
The goal is for local communities to have not only equipment but also prepared people, clear rules of action, and timely coordination. These factors can be decisive in limiting the damage caused by fire.