Bulgaria uses satellite fire surveillance to support wildfire response
Sofia: European News Room (enr) has reported that Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior is monitoring national wildfire conditions using the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said the country receives real-time satellite data on fire locations, hourly temperature anomalies, and the scale of destroyed areas.
Mitov explained that the information also includes long-term monthly forecasts for temperature and precipitation anomalies, statistical data, and fire danger index assessments.
He added that Bulgaria’s General Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection can activate the Copernicus system when operational needs arise.
EFFIS also provides Bulgaria with news and operational updates from other European Union member states and international partners.
Wildfire locations and scale in Bulgaria
Mitov stated earlier this week that Bulgaria is currently experiencing more than 1,000 active fires.
Two of these incidents are classed as more serious, one near Sungurlare in the Burgas region and another in the Blagoevgrad region near Ilindentsi.
According to Mitov, firefighting equipment provided through the European Civil Protection Mechanism has been deployed in the affected areas.
The fire near Sungurlare involved Swedish aircraft and helicopters, along with one American helicopter from the base in Novo Selo.
Mitov confirmed that this fire has now been brought under control.
Mitov reported that the fire in the Pirin Mountains remains active.
Military personnel have been deployed alongside firefighters to tackle the incident both from the air and on the ground.
Operations in the Pirin Mountains are ongoing, with no timeline given for containment.
In July, Bulgaria formally activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to address wildfire threats.
This resulted in the deployment of four helicopters from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and France.
Three Swedish planes were also sent to support Bulgarian firefighting efforts.
The Ministry of Interior stated that this international support has been essential in tackling multiple fire outbreaks across the country.
According to EFFIS data shared in early August by Eng. Tihomir Tomanov, Executive Director of the Municipal Forests Association, Bulgaria ranks second in Europe for wildfire incidence in 2024, behind only Cyprus.
Tomanov reported that the country typically records around 600 forest fires annually.
These fires affect approximately 10,000 hectares of land each year.
Direct economic losses from these incidents are estimated at 2.5 million euros annually.
Fire and safety professionals can note Bulgaria’s integration of EFFIS and Copernicus systems as examples of using satellite-based intelligence in operational decision-making.
The country’s coordination with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism highlights the role of international resource sharing in wildfire response.
The data provided through these systems supports risk assessment, long-term forecasting, and the prioritisation of resources.
These approaches may inform strategies in other regions facing large-scale wildfire challenges.
Bulgaria is using the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) for real-time wildfire monitoring.
Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said the data includes locations, temperature anomalies, destroyed areas, and long-term forecasts.
The Copernicus system can be activated for operational needs.
Bulgaria currently has over 1,000 active fires, with serious incidents near Sungurlare and Ilindentsi.
International aircraft assisted in extinguishing the Sungurlare fire.
The Pirin Mountains fire is ongoing with military involvement.
In July, Bulgaria activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Helicopters from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and France, plus Swedish planes, were deployed.
EFFIS data shows Bulgaria ranks second in Europe for wildfires in 2024.
The country averages 600 forest fires per year.
Annual losses are about 2.5 million euros.
