Preventive Measures Against Summer Fires in Burgas Region: Coordination, Technologies, and Public Information

During the summer season, municipalities in Burgas region are intensifying preventive actions to limit fire risk, a BTA check reveals. The measures are the result of coordinated efforts between local authorities and the Regional Directorate "Fire Safety and Population Protection" – Burgas. The applied strategy includes not only technical and organizational steps, but also active information activities, announced at the beginning of the fire-dangerous period this year.

On days with increased risk of fire incidents in the region, the BG-Alert early warning system works, which sends messages to residents of endangered areas and places with already occurring fires. Burgas Municipality periodically publishes official warnings aimed at caution when handling fire and prevention of arson.

Comprehensive prevention is also included in the new municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Program (2025–2030), which provides for regular maintenance of fire hydrants, clearing of dry vegetation, and control of the power transmission network. Pomorie Municipality expanded initiatives with a campaign among citizens and farmers to raise awareness about fire risks. By mayoral order during the fire-dangerous period, specific requirements were introduced for machinery used during harvest – all machines must have a valid technical inspection and be equipped with fire extinguishers. If necessary, the volunteer formation for fire assistance is ready to react.

In Sozopol, the mayoral order introduces a special fire-safe mode in forest territories: open fire is prohibited, mineralized strips are maintained around settlements, and an efficient communication link is created with fire services in case of risk.

The regional administration reminds that the most common cause of fires in the region in recent years is human negligence. Therefore, institutions emphasize both strict control and the availability of equipment, as well as engaging and informing residents. A new approach is the use of a high-tech drone with a thermal camera, which helps recognize and early localize fire sources. The drone also serves to search for people in incidents in hard-to-reach areas. "The technology is already actively used in real fire situations and proves its effectiveness," the regional administration reported to BTA.

Additionally, the regional road management in Burgas is working on cleaning ditches and removing overgrown vegetation along roads to reduce the likelihood of fire occurrence and spread near road infrastructure.

By order of the regional governor Vladimir Krumov, at the beginning of the fire-dangerous season, prohibitions were introduced for many activities near forests – including open fire, burning of plant waste, and other practices that pose a potential risk. "The measures are part of coordinated efforts to increase residents' safety and protect nature," the regional administration emphasized.