site.btaWildfires Decrease by 30% Compared to 2025, Fire Safety Chief Says

In a Bulgarian National Television interview on Tuesday, General Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection Chief Commissioner Aleksandar Dzhartov said there was a decrease in the number of wildfires by 25-30%, compared to 2025. The severity of the fire incidents was not nearly as high as in 2025, he added.

In 2026, the burnt forest area amounted to 500 hectares, compared to 13,000 hectares during the same period in 2025, he pointed out. Nevertheless, Dzhartov stressed that every ignition can cause a serious fire incident, particularly in the wildfire season characterised by dry vegetation. He urged the citizens not to light fires outdoors as human activity represented a crucial factor in fire incidents. “Up to 100 people this year were sanctioned for having caused fires, then again, penalties do not solve the issue, it is essential to be conscientious and well prepared,” he recalled.

According to Dzhartov, more drones, static and dynamic cameras were used to tackle wildfires in 2026. He explained that most of the cameras were primarily installed in Southwestern Bulgaria but it was currently expected such devices to be deployed nationwide.

“AI and high technologies are part of the process of preventing detriments caused by natural disasters,” he said, announcing an upcoming cooperation agreement with the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology. Dzhartov added that the Directorate had signed contracts for new fire engines and firefighter equipment, expected to be delivered by end-2026.

According to him, the BG-Alert system had always functioned flawlessly and showed no technical defects. “Last year, there were about 90 emergency cases which necessitated its activation, while this year they fell to 20”, he underscored.