site.btaBulgarian Firefighters Mark Patron Saint's Day

A ceremonial water blessing will be held in the courtyard of the General Directorate of Fire Safety and Civil Protection on Monday to mark the patron saint's day of Bulgarian firefighters, the Interior Ministry's press office said.

On the Day of the Prophet Elijah, who is regarded as the protector of people from disasters, a memorial service is traditionally held for firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"Our firefighters have repeatedly proven their professionalism, but in order for them to be fully effective, we must invest resources in their training and provide them with the necessary technical equipment," Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said at a ceremony presenting newly delivered equipment for firefighters and volunteer response units. The equipment was provided under the Human Resources Development Programme 2021-2027, co-funded by the European Union.