Prime Minister Rumen Radev told the Council of Ministers at the start of its regular meeting on Wednesday that, for the first time in many years, Bulgaria has five helicopters and crews on standby for firefighting, as well as a Spartan aircraft.

“The most important thing is that this year there have been far fewer fires caused deliberately or through negligence. Our society is increasingly aware that it is the duty of each and every one of us to protect nature, property and our beautiful natural environment,” Radev noted as he recalled talks with the head of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection.

“Southern Europe is in flames, fires are raging all around us and they are spreading,” the Prime Minister said. He pointed out that despite record temperatures and the prolonged drought, Bulgaria has so far been spared devastating wildfires. According to Radev, this is not a fortunate coincidence but primarily the result of intensive preventive work by all those involved in firefighting, as well as the increased awareness and responsibility of Bulgarian society as a whole.

Radev commended the leadership of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection for the effective organisation and deployment of personnel and equipment, the establishment of forward firefighting posts in areas at greatest risk of fires, the rapid reinforcement of firefighting teams immediately after fires break out, and the dedicated work of firefighters.

The Prime Minister also commended forestry workers for actively creating firebreaks in cooperation with municipalities, as well as farmers and volunteers for their dedication and rapid response. He also praised Defence Ministry personnel for their active involvement in firefighting efforts.