site.btaWildfires Are Becoming More Frequent, Intense, and Closer to Populated Areas, WWF Warn

Bulgaria is facing more frequent and intense wildfires, increasingly near populated areas, warned Dobromir Dobrinov, senior environmental legislation expert at WWF Bulgaria. He noted that wildfires are spreading faster and taking longer to extinguish, while the traditional fire season is expanding into autumn and even winter.

According to a recent WWF analysis, 90% of wildfires are human-caused, with over 80% originating in agricultural or urban areas. Although natural causes like lightning account for only 4% of fires, climate change is a major factor – rising temperatures and drier conditions are making wildfires harder to control.

The blaze near Kostinbrod is an example of how prolonged and resource-intensive such incidents have become. Dobrinov stressed the urgent need for better fire prevention strategies, improved forest zoning policies, and more scientific research in this area. He also reminded that wildfires affect not only ecosystems but also wildlife.

To improve firefighting efforts, specialized aircraft, not just military helicopters, are needed. While military helicopters carry 1.5 tonnes of water, fire-dedicated aircraft can drop up to 8 tonnes. Dobrinov called for stronger support for volunteer brigades and wildlife rescue centres like Green Balkans in Stara Zagora.

Despite having some funding under the Strategic Plan for Rural Development, fire prevention measures remain underfunded, he said. Dobrinov also urged authorities to enhance public awareness campaigns, as 69% of fires result from negligence, while 6% are arson-related.

Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, Head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate General, also appealed to citizens to be extremely cautious with open flames, especially given the high temperatures and strong winds forecast in the coming days, with highs reaching 35°C to 40°C.