A Country Ablaze: The New Normal of Wildfire Season

In late July 2025, nearly 100 wildfires raged simultaneously across Bulgaria, stretching the country’s firefighting resources to their limit. Blazes swept through parched forests at the foot of the Pirin mountains and raced toward villages like Rani Lug and Kozarevo, where panicked residents were evacuated as homes ignited. Ground crews were forced to retreat under “merciless” conditions of high wind and heat, and authorities urgently appealed for firefighting aircraft from European allies to help douse the flames, as note by Reuters. What was once an occasional summer threat has become a seasonal siege: Bulgaria, traditionally spared the mega-fires seen in southern Europe, is now firmly on the frontline of the continent’s wildfire crisis.

Experts warn that the country faces a “seasonal epidemic” of wildfires driven by the convergence of climate change and human negligence. Heatwaves and droughts are growing more intense each year, turning Bulgaria’s extensive forests into tinderboxes. At the same time, decades of careless human behavior—unattended campfires, agricultural burning, discarded cigarette butts—continue to spark the majority of blazes. The result is a dramatic rise in both the frequency and ferocity of fires. The traditional fire season, once confined to the peak of summer, now stretches into spring and even autumn, and each year seems to bring a new worst on record. The summer infernos have also ignited political tensions in Sofia, as officials and opponents trade blame over the country’s preparedness.

Scope of the Wildfire Crisis

Bulgaria’s wildfire statistics underscore how serious the situation has become. On average, around 600 forest fires break out every year, burning roughly 10,000 hectares of land and causing at least €2.5 million in direct economic damages annually, as noted by BTA. But these averages hide an alarming upward trend. Recent years have seen record-breaking fire seasons that dwarf anything in Bulgaria’s modern history. Table 1 highlights some of the worst wildfire seasons on record, illustrating the sharp rise in both the number of fires and the area scorched.

(* Note: 2023 and 2024 figures are approximate, based on mid-season estimates; final totals may be higher.)

As shown above, Bulgaria experienced devastating wildfire seasons in 2000 and 2007, when over 100,000 hectares of forest were lost in just those two years, as noted by BTA. Those events remained unmatched until the current decade. After a relatively moderate period in the 2010s, the fires have surged again. By 2020, the country saw one of its worst years in terms of number of fires, and 2021 and 2022 continued the dangerous trend (for example, 2022 recorded over 8,000 hectares burned in more than 500 fires). Then came 2023, which experts initially feared would set a new record for destruction. In that year, intense summer blazes charred an estimated 15,000–20,000 hectares of land, including parts of national parks. Yet 2023 turned out to be only a prelude: 2024 was extraordinary, with conflagrations sweeping across the country during an intense heatwave. By July 2024, Bulgaria had become the most fire-affected EU country of the year in terms of area burned. Firestorms raged in the Rhodope and Strandzha mountains and along the Greek border (the Slavyanka Mountain blaze), exhausting local resources and forcing Bulgaria to call in European assistance. Analysts now consider 2024 the worst wildfire season in Bulgaria’s recorded history – at least until 2025, which is already proving dangerously active.

The impact of these fires goes beyond the raw numbers of trees and acreage lost. The ecological damage is immense: Bulgaria’s forests, which cover about one-third of the country, harbor rich biodiversity and protected areas. Recent fires have encroached on national parks and Natura 2000 sites, destroying wildlife habitat and rare species. The economic toll is also far-reaching. Direct losses (timber destroyed, firefighting costs, and property damage) run into millions of euros each year. . The total cost of forest fire damage in Bulgaria is estimated to be more than 15 million euros annually (DISTRELEC, 2023), including the loss of timber, firefighting expenses, and damage to infrastructure and property. Indirect losses – though harder to quantify – are even larger: lost tourism revenue in scenic mountain regions, reduced ecosystem services (like clean water and carbon storage that healthy forests provide), and long-term soil erosion and flooding risks due to denuded hillsides. One analysis estimates that when these indirect costs are included, wildfires may be costing Bulgaria over €50 million per year in damages and lost benefits to society. Health impacts are a concern as well; during major fire events, thick smoke chokes nearby towns and cities, exacerbating respiratory problems and causing momentary spikes in air pollution.

It is also important to view Bulgaria’s crisis in a regional context. Southern Europe as a whole has faced brutal wildfire seasons recently. In 2023, for instance, neighboring Greece suffered the most destructive wildfires in its history (burning over 175,000 hectares) amid record heat. Bulgaria’s geography – bridging Mediterranean and continental climates – now places it in what scientists call a “wildfire hotspot.” Summer 2023 and 2024 brought pan-European heatwaves that did not stop at Bulgaria’s borders. In fact, some fires have literally crossed borders: flames in 2025 spread from western Bulgaria into Serbia, while fires in the south have moved between Bulgaria and Greece. These infernos ignore political boundaries, highlighting how no European country in the region is insulated from the broader climate-driven wildfire trend. Notably, a European Forest Fire Information System report ranked Bulgaria second in Europe (after Cyprus) for number of forest fires in 2024, underlining that this Black Sea nation of 7 million is facing a wildfire onslaught on par with much larger or hotter countries (as noed by BTA).

Why the Fires Start: Human Causes Amplified by Climate Change

Understanding why Bulgaria’s forests are burning is crucial to addressing the problem. The causes of these wildfires are overwhelmingly human-induced, with climate factors acting as a dangerous accelerant. While natural causes like lightning or spontaneous combustion do occur, they account for only a tiny fraction of ignitions. A recent analysis by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) found that over 90% of wildfires in Bulgaria over the past 15 years were sparked by human activity. In many cases, the fires don’t even start in the forest itself – more than 80% ignite in agricultural lands or pastures before spreading into adjacent woodlands, as noted by WWFCEE. Bulgaria’s rural traditions of using fire as a tool, combined with carelessness and occasional malice, have made human behavior the leading cause of forest disasters.

Main Causes of Forest Fires in Bulgaria (Selected Data)

Sources: European Forest Fire Information System (2022 data) and WWF-Bulgaria analysis.

The leading culprit is plain carelessness. In dry summer months, a single spark can unleash a catastrophe. Discarded cigarette butts thrown from car windows, unattended barbecue or campfire embers, and even stray sparks from machinery have all been known to ignite infernos. For example, a devastating blaze in the Rila Mountains in 2019 – which destroyed over 500 hectares of old-growth forest – was traced to an unattended campfire left by hikers. In another case, in July 2020, a farmer’s attempt to burn stubble in his field in Haskovo province went out of control, eventually consuming 300+ hectares of nearby woodland. Such incidents highlight how everyday activities, conducted without caution, can lead to wide-scale destruction. Despite laws banning open fires during high-risk periods, enforcement in remote rural areas is lax, and traditional practices die hard.

Arson, while a smaller percentage of cases, remains a troubling cause. Investigations have uncovered instances of intentionally set fires – whether for illicit land clearing, insurance fraud, settling of personal scores, or even the twisted thrill of destruction. In 2018, a series of arson attacks in the Plovdiv region torched around 200 hectares of forest. Though rare, these deliberate acts strain firefighting resources and sow fear in local communities. The penalties for arson in Bulgaria are severe on paper (including imprisonment), but perpetrators are often hard to catch in the act, and prosecutions are few. This has prompted calls for even harsher punishments and better investigative efforts, given the potential for catastrophic damage.

Meanwhile, natural causes like lightning are relatively uncommon but not negligible—especially as climate change creates more erratic weather. In August 2021, lightning strikes during a violent thunderstorm ignited multiple fires in the Strandzha Mountains. Normally, a rainstorm would accompany the lightning and douse any flames, but in this case the storm brought little rain to the bone-dry forest. Dozens of fires spread rapidly across about 500 hectares before firefighters contained them. Such events demonstrate that even without humans, nature can spark fires under the wrong conditions. However, it’s telling that in cooler, wetter decades past, lightning-caused fires rarely spread far. Now, with forests primed to burn, a single bolt can have far greater consequences.

Climate change has indisputably upped the stakes. Bulgaria’s climate is becoming hotter and drier, especially in summer and early autumn. The summer of 2020 was one of the hottest on record, with temperatures in parts of Bulgaria soaring above 35°C for days on end. Extended droughts have plagued the country; between 2015 and 2020, annual rainfall fell well below historical averages, leaving forests with critically low moisture. Even when rain does come, changing precipitation patterns mean it can arrive in short, intense bursts that cause vegetation to grow—and then wither—creating more dry fuel. For instance, an unusually wet spring in 2019 led to lush grass, which then dried out in a hot summer, contributing to one of the worst fire seasons of the decade.

Higher temperatures and drier conditions have effectively lengthened the fire season. Spring and autumn fires are increasingly common. In recent years, blazes have erupted in March and April (when fields are often burned for planting) and even in November during unseasonably warm, dry spells. WWF-Bulgaria reports that fires are now breaking out in all seasons, an unheard-of phenomenon until the last decade, as noted by WWFCEE. Climate projections suggest this trend will worsen: more frequent heatwaves, an expanding summer dry period, and occasional winter droughts could make Bulgaria’s forests flammable nearly year-round. In short, climate change acts as a threat multiplier – it doesn’t usually start the fire, but it ensures that once ignition occurs (usually by human hand), the resulting blaze is faster, larger, and harder to control than in the past, as noted by BTA.

Compounding the problem is how past land use and forestry practices have unintentionally increased fire risk. Decades of fire suppression (quickly extinguishing every small fire) have led to a buildup of dry underbrush in many forests. Logging and reforestation policies historically favored monocultures of highly flammable conifers (like pine) in some regions, providing abundant fuel when conditions are dry. Rural depopulation has also left large swathes of farmland abandoned; shrubs and weeds overrun old fields and then dry out, effectively creating “wildfire corridors” that can carry flames into the forests. This convergence of human factors and climate extremes sets the stage for the kind of mega-fires Bulgaria is now witnessing.

The Government’s Response: Preparedness Under Scrutiny

As wildfires have grown into a national crisis, Bulgaria’s government faces tough questions about its preparedness and response. On paper, the country has a solid framework for forest fire management. Key legislation like the Forest Act (2011) and the Disaster Protection Act (2006) lay out responsibilities for prevention and emergency response. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (through its Executive Forest Agency) is tasked with managing and protecting forest lands, including fire prevention measures. Meanwhile, the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate General (FSCP) under the Ministry of Interior is the main firefighting force, responsible for extinguishing fires and rescuing people and property. Bulgaria also participates in EU-wide disaster response systems, and has some access to European funding for equipment and training. In theory, all the pieces are in place for an effective defense against wildfires.

In practice, however, the official response has often been criticized as reactive and under-resourced. Firefighters and volunteers on the ground have performed heroically during fire emergencies, but they are hampered by shortages of modern equipment and insufficient preventive infrastructure. For example, until recently Bulgaria had only a couple of operational helicopters modified for firefighting, and no specialized water-bomber aircraft of its own. During major fires, authorities have often had to rely on aging Soviet-era trucks, improvised gear, and the sheer courage of personnel to contain the flames. In particularly bad seasons, Bulgaria has been forced to beg and borrow aerial support from neighboring countries or the EU (as happened in 2021, 2022, and notably 2024).

Criticism is growing that the state apparatus charged with forest protection has been slow to adapt to the escalating threat. A damning report by Bulgaria’s National Audit Office in 2025 revealed several preparedness gaps. According to the audit, forest areas affected by fires have increased since 2021, yet no additional funding was requested for prevention in that period. In fact, many planned fire protection measures were never implemented at all. It was noted that the country’s national forest management strategy expired in 2020 and has not been updated, leaving agencies without a clear roadmap for addressing new challenges. At the regional and local level, forest management plans are either outdated or incomplete—only about one-third of privately owned forests have the required management plans in place, for instance. Basic tools like a unified information system for forest data, mandated by law, were not developed, hampering coordination and transparency.

Perhaps most glaring, the audit highlighted a lack of resources dedicated to fire prevention despite the obvious rise in risk. Firebreak maintenance, controlled burns to reduce fuel loads, and clearing of brush around villages have been inconsistent or absent. Enforcement of regulations is weak: very few penalties are ever issued for violations like illegal burning or failure to follow safety restrictions, creating a culture of impunity. The Audit Office found that administrative enforcement is “insufficiently effective,” with a very low number of fines or legal actions against offenders, as noted by BTA. This echoes the observation of experts that while starting a forest fire (even accidentally) is technically a criminal offense in Bulgaria, perpetrators are rarely identified and held accountable.

The government counters that it is taking steps, albeit not as fast as critics demand. Officials note that firefighting equipment has improved compared to a decade ago – many obsolete Soviet-era fire engines have been replaced, and firefighters are better trained now. They also emphasize European solidarity: through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Bulgaria can call on other member states for help when things get extreme (and indeed has done so, as in 2022 and 2024 when firefighting planes and crews from countries like the Czech Republic, France, and Turkey were deployed to Bulgarian fires).

In early 2024, under public pressure, the government launched a major project to boost capacity. Funded by the EU Operational Programme “Environment” 2021–2027, roughly 170 million BGN (~€87 million) has been allocated to strengthen wildfire prevention and response. The plan, signed by the Environment and Interior Ministers, envisions 385 new specialized firefighting vehicles, dozens of modern water tanks and drone-assisted monitoring systems, and training for over 26,000 people (firefighters, volunteers, and local officials) in wildfire response tactics. Environment Minister Julian Popov stressed that the goal is not only to buy equipment but to “build strategic capacity” – from improved early warning systems to community preparedness. The project also aims to establish a regional training and coordination center, positioning Bulgaria as a hub for disaster-response know-how in the Balkans. By replacing virtually all outdated vehicles and providing 6,000 sets of protective gear to firefighters, officials hope to reduce response times and improve safety for the crews on the front lines.

These initiatives are promising on paper, but their implementation has been painfully slow. Procurement processes for the new vehicles and gear were still ongoing in mid-2025, and bureaucratic holdups mean that much of the EU money had yet to be spent. This lag has real consequences: during the brutal 2024 fires and again in 2025, Bulgaria still lacked its own waterbomber aircraft or enough heavy-duty helicopters, forcing reliance on foreign aid. Public frustration has boiled over; in July 2025, as fires raged, protesters in Sofia demanded accountability for why promised resources had not materialized. The Interior Ministry and FSCP leadership argue that complex public procurement rules and supply chain issues (some equipment must be custom-built or imported) are to blame, and they assure that new vehicles and aircraft are on the way. Nonetheless, the perception of official inertia remains a challenge. Public confidence has been shaken by scenes of overwhelmed firefighters and appeals for help from abroad, prompting many to ask: Why wasn’t Bulgaria better prepared, when the warning signs have been visible for years?

International Cooperation: A Regional Fight Against the Flames

One silver lining in Bulgaria’s wildfire saga has been the robust international cooperation emerging to combat the flames. Wildfires are a shared menace in the Mediterranean and Balkan region, and Bulgaria has both benefited from and contributed to collective efforts to tame these disasters.

When fires overwhelm national capacities, Bulgaria can activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, a framework that facilitates rapid mutual aid among European countries. In July 2024, as parts of Bulgaria burned uncontrollably, the government sent an urgent plea through this mechanism. The response was immediate: helicopters from Czechia (including one from the EU’s rescEU reserve fleet) arrived to help douse the fires, as noted by Sofiaglobe, while Greece (itself fighting fires) shared real-time satellite data and Turkey dispatched a team of firefighters across the border to assist. Similarly, during the 2025 fires, Bulgarian officials coordinated with Serbia to manage a blaze that crossed into Serbian territory, illustrating how neighboring countries must work hand-in-hand when wildfires straddle frontiers.

European solidarity in firefighting is growing. The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has pre-positioned hundreds of firefighters and dozens of aircraft around the continent each summer, ready to be deployed where needed. In 2024, a pool of 556 firefighters from 12 countries (along with 28 planes and 4 helicopters in the rescEU fleet) stood by for emergencies, some of them stationed in nearby Greece and Croatia. Bulgaria stands to gain from this bolstered European readiness – and indeed has been a recipient of these resources. Janez Lenarčič, the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, noted that “wildfires know no borders, and neither does our commitment to help”, highlighting that Pan-European cooperation is crucial for countries like Bulgaria that face escalating fire seasons.

International cooperation isn’t just about crisis response; it’s also about sharing knowledge and best practices. Bulgarian experts and officials are increasingly looking abroad for solutions to their wildfire problem. A frequently cited example is Portugal, a country that, after suffering horrific wildfire tragedies in 2017, undertook sweeping reforms in how it manages fires. Portugal tightened regulations on land use (banning new planting of highly flammable eucalyptus trees), invested in rural development to prevent land abandonment, created a dedicated wildfire agency (AGIF) to coordinate prevention and response, and embraced new technology like real-time fire mapping and early warning systems. The result has been a notable improvement in wildfire outcomes there. Bulgarian forestry associations have explicitly urged the government to “integrate the experience of Portugal” and replicate its “big breakthrough” in fighting forest firesas noted by BTA. This could mean adopting measures such as community-based fire surveillance, prescribed burns to clear underbrush in offseason, and better engagement of local volunteer brigades – all areas where Portugal made progress.

Greece is another pertinent example. Like Bulgaria, Greece faces frequent summer fires, but it has heavily invested in an aerial firefighting fleet (dozens of Canadair waterbombers and helicopters) and has a well-honed civil defense mechanism to evacuate villages on short notice. Despite these efforts, Greece still struggles in extreme conditions (as seen in 2023), indicating that technology alone isn’t a silver bullet – but strong preparation can save lives. Bulgarian officials have been in talks with Greek authorities to learn from their experience, especially in coordinating multiple agencies during an emergency and using military assets (drones, transport planes) for firefighting support.

Beyond Europe, global knowledge exchange is also informing Bulgaria’s approach. Fire management practices from countries like Spain (which uses a network of strategic firebreaks and allows small natural fires to burn under control to reduce fuel) or the United States (with its emphasis on community fire education and evacuation drills in wildfire-prone regions) are being studied by Bulgarian academics and NGOs. There is recognition that Bulgaria must eventually shift from viewing wildfires purely as a disaster to be reacted to, toward a philosophy of “learning to live with fire,” as some fire ecologists put it. This means accepting that fire will be part of the landscape in a warming world, and focusing on mitigation: smarter land management, fire-resilient infrastructure, and rapid containment of small fires before they explode into big ones.

The spirit of cooperation has also filtered down to a more human level. In recent years, Bulgarian volunteer firefighting groups have formed and even linked up with counterparts abroad. Organizations like the National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria have partnered with WWF and others to train local volunteers, sometimes receiving equipment donations from wealthier countries. Bulgaria’s volunteers have been invaluable in remote areas where official fire crews arrive late. In the severe fires of 2025, for example, volunteer brigades in places like Blagoevgrad and Haskovo not only fought flames side-by-side with professionals, but also coordinated with volunteer teams from neighboring North Macedonia who crossed over to help when fires threatened border communities. These grassroots partnerships underscore a simple fact: in a wildfire crisis, neighbors help neighbors, regardless of nationality.

Preventing the Next Inferno: What Can Be Done

With the wildfire threat mounting each year, the urgent question is what can Bulgaria do to break the cycle of destruction? A consensus is forming among experts, firefighters, and community leaders on several key strategies to improve the country’s wildfire resilience. These measures span prevention, preparedness, and response, reflecting that no single fix will suffice – a comprehensive approach is needed.

Public Education and Enforcement

Given that human negligence is the biggest spark for fires, a top priority is changing behaviors. This means education campaigns on fire safety, targeted especially at rural populations, farmers, and tourists. For instance, authorities could expand programs to inform farmers of safer alternatives to stubble burning and strictly publicize summer fire bans in forests. At the same time, enforcement must be strengthened. This could involve increased patrols by forest rangers during high-risk periods, surveillance cameras or drones in fire-prone areas to catch illegal activities, and actually issuing fines or penalties when violations are found. Currently, as noted, many offenders face no consequences – a culture of accountability needs to be built. Something as simple as enforcing a ban on tossing cigarettes or penalizing campers for illegal fires can send a message. Over time, Bulgaria will benefit from fostering a “fire-safe” culture much like it did with traffic safety or pollution awareness in the past.

Early Warning Systems and Monitoring

Early detection of fires can mean the difference between a minor incident and a raging inferno. Bulgaria has begun installing fire watch towers and lookout posts in some high-risk forests, but these need to be fully operational and integrated into an early warning system. Modern technology offers many tools: satellite monitoring (the EFFIS system already provides near-real-time fire alerts from satellites), drones with thermal cameras to scout for hotspots, and even AI-based systems that can predict fire spread when a blaze is detected. The country should invest in a centralized wildfire monitoring center that receives data from these sources and can dispatch the nearest firefighting units at the first sign of trouble. Some of this is underway with EU help, but it requires continued focus. It’s worth noting that timely alerts are also crucial for public safety – systems like SMS warnings to residents when a nearby wildfire erupts could save lives, giving people more time to evacuate if needed.

Boosting Firefighting Capacity

Bulgaria’s firefighters have shown incredible dedication, but they need better tools for the job. The planned influx of new fire engines and gear must be seen through, and ideally accelerated. In addition, the country should acquire or secure guaranteed access to dedicated firefighting aircraft. This could mean purchasing a few waterbombing planes or helicopters outright, or forming joint ownership with a neighbor, or ensuring long-term leasing arrangements each fire season. The image of Bulgarian firefighters watching helplessly as they wait for a plane from another country should become a thing of the past. Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov of the FSCP has emphasized that military transport helicopters (which carry 1.5 tons of water) are no match for specialized air tankers that can drop 8+ tons at once, BTA. In other words, investing in the right equipment is critical. Equipping local fire stations in at-risk regions with off-road vehicles, portable pumps, and water cisterns is equally important so that small fires can be attacked in rough terrain before they grow.

Empowering Local Communities and Volunteers

Fire prevention and initial response often start at the community level. Bulgaria can expand support for volunteer fire brigades, especially in remote and rural areas far from professional fire stations. This means providing volunteers with proper training, protective clothing, and basic firefighting tools (as organizations like WWF have begun doing via donations, WWFCEE). It also means integrating volunteers into the official response plans – for example, having clear protocols for how volunteers are mobilized and supervised during a wildfire. Additionally, communities can create local fire breaks and maintain them: simple actions like villagers clearing dry brush from the edges of their town, or keeping grass low around houses, can create defensible spaces that slow a wildfire’s advance. Public awareness initiatives like annual “fire drill days” in fire-prone villages (simulating an evacuation or a community firefight) could improve readiness and reduce panic when a real event occurs.

Forest Management and Land Use Planning

In the long term, how Bulgaria manages its forests and landscapes will determine its wildfire destiny. This involves reducing fuel loads in forests through responsible management – such as selective thinning of dense woodlands, clearing of deadwood, and conducting controlled burns in the offseason to safely eliminate underbrush. It also means diversifying forest species where possible; mixed forests (with broadleaf trees) tend to be less flammable than large monocultures of pine or spruce. Reforestation efforts after fires should consider planting more fire-resistant species or creating natural firebreaks (e.g., strips of less flammable vegetation) to slow future fires. On agricultural lands, the government might incentivize farmers to adopt mechanical clearing or mulching of crop residue instead of burning. Urban planners should also factor wildfire risk into development decisions: for instance, discouraging construction of new homes right up against forest edges without buffer zones, or ensuring new infrastructure (like power lines) in forested areas are insulated and won’t spark fires.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Lastly, tackling the root of the issue – climate change – is a colossal task that goes beyond Bulgaria alone. However, Bulgaria can contribute to climate mitigation by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and protecting its carbon sinks (like forests). More immediately, it can adapt to the reality of a warmer climate by updating its disaster planning. This might include allocating more budget reserves for firefighting in hot years, improving water infrastructure (so that more water can be quickly supplied to drought-hit areas for fire suppression), and researching climate-resilient forestry practices. Joining international research initiatives on wildfires (for example, EU research projects on fire behavior under climate scenarios) can provide insight to policymakers. The harsh truth is that, due to global warming, extreme fire weather is likely to recur. Bulgaria’s challenge is to make its landscapes and communities as fire-resilient as possible in the meantime.

A Turning Point for Bulgaria’s Forests

Bulgaria’s wildfires are a daunting challenge, but they also represent a pivotal opportunity for change. The terrifying fires of 2024–2025 have been a wake-up call, illuminating the consequences of inaction and under-preparation. In the charred remains of forests and the scorched frames of houses, one can read a clear message: business as usual is no longer an option. The country must treat wildfires not as isolated disasters, but as a recurring national security threat in an era of climate volatility.

Encouragingly, there are signs that Bulgaria is reaching a turning point. Public awareness of the wildfire issue is higher than ever – Bulgarians have seen the images of burning hills on their TV screens, smelled the smoke in their capital city, and some have even taken to the streets to demand better protection. This awareness can be a powerful driver for political will. If harnessed, it could ensure that the plans on paper (more funds, better gear, stronger laws) are actually put into practice on the ground. The infusion of EU support, both in terms of funding and expertise, provides a valuable boost. With continued international solidarity, Bulgaria doesn’t have to fight this battle alone. European partners are helping now in emergencies, and they stand ready to help Bulgaria build capacity for the future.

Still, the heavy lifting must be done at home. It will require sustained effort and coordination: environmental agencies, firefighters, local governments, NGOs, and citizens all playing their part. It will require thinking ahead to prevent tragedy, rather than scrambling in crisis mode. The country’s forests – whether the pine-clad Rila ranges or the oak groves of Strandzha – are a precious heritage and a vital asset. Protecting them in the face of worsening wildfires is about more than conserving nature; it’s about safeguarding communities, economies, and a way of life intricately tied to the rhythms of the natural landscape.

As Bulgaria heads into the uncertain fire seasons of coming years, one hopes that the lessons from recent conflagrations have truly sunk in. Other nations have shown it is possible to adapt and reduce wildfire impacts with concerted action. Bulgaria now has hard-earned knowledge of its own and a population that understands the stakes. The true test will be in the summers ahead: whether the country can move from a cycle of disaster – shock – response to one of preparation – resilience – control. The glow on the horizon no longer needs to signal doom; with wisdom and willpower, it can be the light of a new strategy taking hold. The forests of Bulgaria are resilient by nature – if given a fighting chance through human prudence and policy, they may continue to thrive, rather than burn, in the decades to come.