Bulgaria monitors EU systems for fire surveillance in the country

Sofia: The authorities in Bulgaria are monitoring in real time the satellite data from the European Forest Fire Information System (European Forest Fire Information System-EFFIS) regarding the situation in the country. This was reported by the Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov in a written response to a parliamentary question.

According to Mitov, through EFFIS additional data on the fires that have occurred in the country is specified – geographical location, temperature anomalies by hour, showing the development of the fire, satellite data on destroyed areas, and more.

The system also allows for an assessment of the fire danger index, a long-term monthly forecast for temperature and precipitation anomalies in the country, statistical data, and news related to the operational situation in the European Union countries and other states, Mitov writes in his response.

The Minister adds that in case of operational necessity, the General Directorate for “Fire Safety and Population Protection” activates the Copernicus system.

Earlier this week, Mitov announced to journalists that over 1000 fires are burning in Bulgaria, two of which are more serious – near Sungurlare, Burgas region, and in Blagoevgrad region in the area of Ilindentsi. He stated that there is equipment available through the European Civil Protection mechanism that assists the Bulgarian teams.

Swedish planes and helicopters, including one American from the base in Novo Selo, participated in extinguishing the fire near Sungurlare, Mitov reported. The fire has been brought under control.

The fight to control the fire in the Pirin Mountains continues, with military personnel also involved in firefighting from the air and ground.

In July, Bulgaria activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, under which four helicopters from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and France, as well as three Swedish planes, were sent to the country.

Bulgaria is at the top of the ranking for forest fires in Europe for 2024, second only to Cyprus according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), reported at the beginning of August by the executive director of the “Municipal Forests Association,” Eng. Tihomir Tomanov. Bulgaria typically experiences around 600 forest fires each year, affecting an average of about 10,000 hectares of land, leading to direct economic losses of about 2.5 million euros, the information states. (12-13.08.2025)