Councils and public bodies in Burgas region are ready for winter, officials said today at a disaster risk reduction council meeting chaired by regional governor Diko Dikov. Some councils asked the state for more money to clear snow.

"Our first priority remains protecting people's lives and health, keeping roads open and vital services running all winter," Dikov said. He said all agencies are working together.

The meeting was held under Order No. 169 of 20 October 2026, signed by prime minister Rumen Radev. Officials reviewed preventive steps, equipment and how the services will coordinate.

All councils in the region and the Regional Road Authority in Burgas have signed contracts with specialist firms. The firms will maintain and clear municipal and national roads this winter. Salt, sand and de-icing materials are in stock, and the machines have passed technical checks.

Transport is fully arranged for people on kidney dialysis and for women in late pregnancy. Lists of their addresses have been updated and will soon go to the councils and to the Regional Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate. In bad weather, off-road vehicles will take them to hospital.

Emergency teams are on high alert for snowdrifts, icing and power cuts. They include crews from the fire service, the Burgas regional police directorate (ODMVR), the emergency medical centre, and the electricity and water utilities.

Some councils say current funding is a strain on their budgets because fuel, materials and equipment upkeep cost more. They want the state to raise targeted grants for winter road upkeep and snow clearing in good time. They say the speed and quality of clearing in small villages and on third-class roads depend on it.