site.btaChief Commissioner Dzhartov Warns of Ongoing Fire Threats Across Bulgaria

The number of fires reported each day has remained consistently between 150 and 200, requiring increased vigilance, Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate General, said on Sunday. 

At present, there are two active fires: one in the village of Zvezdelina in Kardzhali Region, which is now under control, and another above Rila Monastery that has also been contained, though access to it remains difficult for fire crews.

According to Dzhartov, the fire near Rila Monastery is limited to an area of about 1,000 sq. m., but reaching the site takes hours for firefighters, forest management staff, and park employees. 

While the large number of fire incidents is typical for this time of year, Dzhartov explained that current strategy involves sending the maximum number of personnel and vehicles as soon as information about a fire is received, in order to contain it as quickly as possible and limit the area affected.

He noted that while this approach has proven effective, strong winds can quickly worsen the situation.

The primary focus in recent days has been on the southern regions of Bulgaria, particularly the area spanning from Burgas to Blagoevgrad, which Dzhartov identified as the most vulnerable. He added that fires occasionally arise in the high mountain areas, often caused by lightning strikes.

Dzhartov emphasized the importance of preventing fires from entering populated areas. He urged residents to clear their yards of dry vegetation before using open flames, as this greatly reduces the risk.

The experience from 2024, he noted, demonstrated that fires did not spread into properties where yards were well-maintained, resulting in no damage to homes. In contrast, properties left unattended were much more susceptible to uncontrolled fire entry.