site.btaBulgaria Is EU Member State Worst Hit by Fires in 2024 and 2025

In 2024 and 2025, Bulgaria reported an alarming trend with an area of 38,000 square metres engulfed by fires, placing the country first in the European Union in that regard. The damage is estimated at over EUR 2.5 million, the Ministry of Environment and Water reported on its official Facebook page on Friday.

The Ministry identified the protection and restoration of vulnerable areas, the response to climate change, and human negligence as pressing issues.

The most common causes of fires are unextinguished fires after picnics, cigarette butts thrown into dry vegetation, burning waste, and sparks from faulty equipment, according to the Environment Ministry.

A red alert for fire danger has been issued for the following regions: Silistra, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Vratsa, Yambol, Haskovo, and Kardzhali, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology reported. A red alert means that rapidly spreading, very strong fires reaching tree crowns are possible. Such fires are difficult to control.

An orange code for hot weather has been issued on Friday. Highs will vary between 36C and 41C, around 37C in Sofia.