site.btaSpartan Aircraft Ready for Aerial Firefighting for First Time
For the first time this year, a Spartan military transport aircraft will be available to take part in aerial firefighting operations using an airborne fire suppression system, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told reporters on Monday after attending a ceremonial blessing marking the feast day of the patron saint of Bulgarian firefighters, St Prophet Elijah, at the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection (GD FSCP).
He said there had been long-standing shortcomings in the country's firefighting capabilities, particularly in terms of aerial fire suppression resources. According to Demerdzhiev, preparations are better this year, including those involving helicopters, but significant deficiencies remain and need to be addressed.
Demerdzhiev noted that, with the assistance of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, firefighters have received additional training, while personnel have also been equipped with drones and individual firefighting equipment.
"Our efforts must be focused on prevention, which in turn requires substantial technical resources," the minister added.
During the ceremony, Demerdzhiev greeted the staff of the GD FSCP on their professional holiday. He said they have repeatedly given the country reason to be proud through their professionalism and selflessness, often compensating for the lack of sufficient resources, technical equipment and operational capabilities.
"Your professionalism has repeatedly been demonstrated during the international missions in which you have taken part. Every year we become more effective, and I believe that, regardless of the challenges, we will continue to deal with them more successfully with each passing year," the minister said.
The Director of the GD FSCP, Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, also greeted the staff. Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova and acting Interior Ministry Chief Secretary Lyubomir Nikolov attended the event as well.
/DD/
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