site.btaFirefighters Responded to 205 Fires on Thursday, Most Were Caused by Human Activity

On Thursday, firefighters responded to 205 fires across the country, the head of the National Fire Service, Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, said during an interview on bTV Friday morning.

Two major wildfires near Kocherinovo and Damyanitsa in southwestern Bulgaria have been contained.

Chief Commissioner Dzhartov explained that firefighting squads are stationed in smaller settlements that lack a permanent fire service. “This shortens response times in case of a fire,” he noted.

He added that most fires are caused by human activity. “People light fires to cook for canning, but strong winds can quickly spread the flames,” he said.

Dzhartov also pointed out that Bulgaria currently lacks the resources to establish an aerial firefighting unit. “It’s not just about having the equipment—we also need trained personnel, which would take about five years. That’s why, for now, we rely on military resources and assistance from other European countries,” he explained.