site.btaDefence Minister Announces Plans to Equip Two More Firefighting Helicopters

The Security Council with the Council of Ministers Friday met to address the widespread fires across the country. Speaking after the meeting, caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced plans to have two additional helicopters equipped for firefighting. Some BGN 250,000 will be required to purchase helibuckets for military vehicles to transport water to the affected areas.

"Helicopters proved to be the most effective, as confirmed by all colleagues involved in firefighting. Our two helicopters have operated continuously, flying at least ten hours daily. They have made over 656 water deliveries to the fires, carrying and utilizing over 1,300 tonnes of water," he said.

"Currently, we have 185 personnel and 34 combat equipment units on the ground. Our servicepersons are actively engaged in nearly all outbreak locations," Zapryanov said. "There is a helicopter on standby for potential life-saving missions or evacuations of people trapped in the fire," he added.

The meeting also addressed potential additions to the fleet of aircraft equipped for firefighting.

Zapryanov confirmed that all 22 units which can be involved in firefighting stand ready, with 15 located in Southern Bulgaria and seven in Northern Bulgaria.