Bulgaria deploys 5 helicopters and aircraft for firefighting readiness

During the summer season, Bulgaria has five helicopters and at least one "Spartan" aircraft available to assist in firefighting operations. This was stated by Chief Commissioner Nikolay Nikolov, advisor to the Minister of Interior and former head of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate, in an interview for bTV.

According to him, the country is currently in the most critical period for wildfires. "We are now in the heart of the most dangerous time for fires," he emphasized.

Nikolov noted that despite a yellow code warning for high temperatures, the fire risk remains significant. "Our meteorologists have already warned of a yellow code for dangerously high temperatures, but the wildfire risk is very serious, which is why our services are at a very high level of readiness," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of prevention efforts. "Prevention and fire safety work may not be very visible at first glance, but it is extremely dynamic and requires a lot of energy," Nikolov explained.

He described the current situation as relatively stable. "We are almost at the end of the harvest season, fires are not that many. Things are more or less under control. The situation in forests is good," he said, adding that hundreds of inspections have been carried out.

Checks have focused on agricultural machinery, firebreaks around fields, road maintenance, and power line clearance. Violations have been identified and sanctioned. "The most common penalties are for faulty combines, lack of protective strips around fields, and uncleaned roads. A total of 87 violators have been identified," Nikolov stated.

He stressed that coordination between institutions is key. "Alongside prevention, pre-established organization and coordination between institutions, as well as increased readiness, are of particular importance," he said.

Efforts involve not only the Interior Ministry but also volunteer units, municipalities, and the Ministry of Defense. "We must consider not only the capabilities of the Ministry of Interior, but also those of volunteer formations, local authorities, and the Ministry of Defense," Nikolov added.

Bulgaria has 173 regional fire safety services, supported by 44 additional units. Recently, between 28 and 30 mobile outposts have been deployed. "A mobile outpost consists of a fire truck with three personnel positioned in a risk area to ensure rapid response," he explained.

Nikolov also pointed to modernization measures. "Deliveries of drones for fire services and volunteer units have begun," he said, noting that around 3,600 trained volunteers are already equipped and operational.

Regarding the purchase of specialized firefighting aircraft, he said a careful assessment is needed. "It must be evaluated whether acquiring new equipment is the most effective approach. People are key—pilots and engineers. Operation is much more complex than procurement," he said, expressing hope for expanded aerial capacity in the future.

According to official data, 152 fires were extinguished in Bulgaria over the past 24 hours, with one person injured. Fire services responded to 207 incidents.