site.btaHeatwave Sparks Wildfires Across Bulgaria, Firefighting Efforts Continue in Several Regions

Wildfires have broken out across various parts of Bulgaria in recent days as high temperatures continue to grip the country. No injuries or damage to residential properties have been reported so far. Firefighting teams remain deployed in multiple regions, with efforts ongoing to control and extinguish the blazes, local authorities reported. 

A wildfire broke out near the village of Asenovo in Yambol Region (Southeastern Bulgaria), the Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry (RDIM) told BTA on Monday. The alert was received on the national emergency number 112. Two fire engines were dispatched to the site, supported by local agricultural producers using heavy equipment to create firebreaks and stop the blaze from spreading. RDIM spokesperson Tatyana Pavlova later said the blaze had been brought under control. No injuries were reported and no inhabited houses were affected by the fire. About 4 ha of unharvested wheat were saved from the flames, Tundzha Municipality Mayor Stancho Stavrev said.

Another fire was reported near the village of Razvigorovo in Shumen region (Northeastern Bulgaria). The local firefighting service identified a rapidly spreading blaze in dry grass and stubble fields. A total of ten firefighting units are currently working to contain the fire, which is being driven by strong winds. Seven of the teams are from Shumen, with additional support from firefighting departments in Novi Pazar, Veliki Preslav, and Kaolinovo, the RDIM press office said. Shumen firefighters have responded to 15 emergency calls, saving 10 ha of crops and 15 greenhouses.

A wildfire has also been reported near the town of Dobrich (Northeastern Bulgaria). The fire, which has been burning for more than an hour, started in dry grasslands between the villages of Plachidol and Pobeda. It has already affected a rapeseed field and reached a wheat crop, Regional Fire Safety and Civil Protection Director Commissioner Darin Dimitrov told BTA. Six fire trucks are currently battling the blaze, but their efforts are hindered by strong, shifting winds. Other smaller fires in the region have been brought under control, Dimitrov added.

On Sunday, a fire broke out in dry grass and an orchard in the Rechitsa borough of Sliven (Southeastern Bulgaria). The alarm was raised at 12:37 p.m. A total of nine firefighting teams responded — six from Sliven and one each from Tvarditsa, Yambol, and Radnevo. Local farmers also joined the effort with available machinery. The fire covered an area of nearly 90 ha before being contained.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid activities that could ignite fires during the current heatwave and to report any signs of fire immediately.