site.btaBulgaria’s Fire Chief: Large Wildfires Require Both Ground Crews and Aircraft

"We must be aware that large-scale wildfires covering vast areas are a challenge for any country, not just Bulgaria, and therefore investments in response capabilities are essential. Aerial resources alone are not enough – an effective response requires a combination of ground crews and aircraft," Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection Directorate General, said on Nova TV Monday.

He noted that the deployment of aerial firefighting equipment is subject to analysis to ensure it is sent where it is most needed.

Dzhartov reported that 159 new fires had been registered in the past day. According to him, the number of fires remains consistently high and is not decreasing.

More personnel have been assigned to shifts to ensure the country is well covered with teams at key locations, and staff are patrolling in cars to help detect fires more quickly, he added.

When asked why there is no fire station in Sungurlare (Southeast Bulgaria), Dzhartov explained that establishing one requires financial resources and staffing. “At the moment, we do not have the capacity to create such units in every settlement,” he said.

Fire crews have responded to 214 incident calls in the past day. No fatalities or injuries were reported, the fire service said.