The need for specialized aviation for forest fires

WWF Bulgaria has once again raised the critical issue of the lack of specialized aircraft for fighting forest fires. While the Mediterranean region is suffering from increasingly frequent disasters, Bulgaria and Albania remain the only countries in the vicinity that do not have their own aviation capacity.

"The delivery of aircraft takes an average of 4-5 years. Therefore, leasing such equipment is a good solution in the meantime," the environmental organization points out.

Why is the problem deepening?

Expert Kostadin Valchev from WWF emphasizes that the economic damage from fires has increased eightfold over the last 15 years. Nevertheless, proposals to purchase helicopters in the 2026 budget were rejected.

  • Biomass accumulation: This year's humid summer has created conditions for future fires due to the accumulated dry vegetation.
  • Extended season: The fire hazard period is becoming longer, and the effects of climate change are visible.
  • Leasing as an alternative: This model provides not only equipment but also trained crews, which is key to rapid response.

Despite the readiness of the Air Force to assist in crises, experts are adamant: only specialized aviation can limit the scale of forest fires at the initial stage.