Preventive fire protection control in protected areas is strengthened

05 Jul, 2025 | 08:00

With the increased risk of fires as a result of high temperatures in the peak of summer, the regional inspectorates of environment and water (RIEWs) and the directorates of national parks (DNPs) are ready to implement the fire prevention plans in the protected areas in their regions. Plans have been prepared for the notification at all levels in the event of fires in the protected areas, as well as schedules for specialized monitoring in fire-prone areas.

Instructions have been sent to the mayors of municipalities to: inform the population about the danger of fires and the sanctions that will be imposed on violators; organize voluntary formations to extinguish fires in the protected areas; and ensure that arson of stubble, brushwood, roadsides and dry grass is not allowed.

The burning of stubble and other plant residues is absolutely prohibited as it burns all organic components in the surface layer of the soil. It destros micro- and macroorganisms useful for soil fertility, and this disrupts the soil-forming process. It creates conditions for the burning of forest protection belts, trees and shrubs, and sometimes entire forest areas. Many birds and animals die in the fires. Therefore, the teams of the RIEWs and the DNPs are strengthening preventive control over the activities of owners and users of sites, forests, lands and water areas for fire protection in the relevant protected areas.

Due to the increased risk of fires as a result of climate change, rising temperatures and drought, as well as given the increased tourist interest in the mountains during the summer months, the Ministry of Environment and Water calls on all citizens to maintain constant vigilance and strictly observe prevention measures in order to prevent fires from occurring in protected areas, as they are one of the most dangerous and difficult to control disasters.

By order of the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov, the period from April 1 to October 31, 2025, has been designated as a fire-dangerous season in protected areas, exclusive state property - national parks, reserves, and maintained reserves.