Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev announced a large-scale initiative to improve fire preparedness in Sofia. In a Facebook post, he revealed that he had tasked the "Emergency Assistance and Prevention" directorate with creating a detailed map of all water sources in the city that can be used in case of fires.
This map will include hydrants, taps, and reservoirs, with the aim of creating a clear protocol for action in emergency situations. The project will start from the "Novi Iskar" district in cooperation with "Sofiyska Voda", demonstrating the coordinated approach between different municipal structures.
Terziev personally visited the directorate's new base in the village of Mramor, which will play a key role in improving disaster and crisis response. Although the buildings have not been used for years, the mayor assured that they will soon be transformed into a modern emergency response center.
Plans for base renovation
- Creation of a specialized area for filling sandbags during floods
- Training center for staff
- Storage of rapid response equipment
Terziev also announced that two new emergency rescue vehicles, mobile water tanks, and backpack fire extinguishers will be delivered by the end of the year. These new acquisitions will significantly increase the capacity of emergency response teams.
These measures come after a recent incident in the Bankya area and the "St. Petka" monastery, where a fire broke out. The authorities' response demonstrated the city's current readiness to deal with such situations. Four teams from the fire department and the municipal emergency directorate, as well as volunteers from the Sofia Municipality's disaster protection unit, quickly responded to the scene.
On Mayor Terziev's orders, four water tankers were sent to assist with the firefighting efforts. Additionally, a fire drone from the "Emergency Assistance and Prevention" teams was used for the first time, showcasing the implementation of new technologies in firefighting.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to improve Sofia's readiness to deal with emergencies and natural disasters. By modernizing equipment, improving infrastructure, and implementing new technologies, the capital aims to increase its resilience and ability to respond quickly to crises.