site.btaSecurity Council at Council of Ministers Outlines Measures to Address Wildfires

The Security Council at the Council of Ministers convened on Friday to strategize measures addressing the nationwide fires. Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev addressed the media in a post-meeting briefing.

Glavchev assured there will be swift provision of legal aid for those affected by the fires. He expressed gratitude towards firefighters, servicemen, and volunteers battling the fires in the affected areas. He highlighted the successful rescue of individuals and the absence of casualties as key outcomes of their efforts in the crisis.

The competent parliamentary committees will discuss improvement to field equipment as early as next week, Glavchev said during the briefing. The government is fully coordinated in its efforts and committed to ongoing support. He also said that the Health Minister has ensured all nearby hospital facilities are prepared to handle any emergencies related to the fires.

The Social Assistance Agency (SAA) is providing BGN 1,578 for the emergency needs of those who have been affected by forest fires, caretaker Finance Minister Lyudmila Petkova said. There are several sources of funding, with a limit only on the funds that are received from SAA. This concerns the BGN 1,578 that are for the most urgent needs, for food and water. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will pay de minimis compensation for lost animals and damaged areas, which will amount EUR 25,000 for farmers and individuals and up to EUR 250,000 for legal entities, the Finance Minister said.

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," Zapryanov added.

Speaking after the meeting, Temenuzhka Petkova of GERB-UDF said that the Parliament and all political forces present are united in their desire to collaborate, aiming to find solutions for those affected by the fires. "We will do everything within our power," she promised.

Nikolay Denkov of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria stated that the Security Council, despite being delayed, proved to be extremely useful. Proposals made during this meeting will be presented to the National Assembly. Denkov highlighted the unanimous consensus among all parliamentary groups on the need for a systematic approach to problem-solving, prioritising immediate actions, short-term objectives, and long-term goals.

Borislav Gutsanov of BSP for Bulgaria said that the Ministry of Finance is expected to file a proposal to the National Assembly next week, outlining potential aircraft purchases and other available options. He suggested that the available Cougar helicopters could be equipped relatively inexpensively and quickly. He also spoke of the need for a comprehensive program to equip the fire brigade, the army, and the Interior Ministry, citing delayed state decisions.

Stanislav Balabanov of There Is Such a People criticised the response to the recent disaster that left many without homes, highlighting it as a reflection of long-standing decision-making failures. Balabanov spoke of the ongoing debates about necessary equipment acquisitions, including machines, planes, and helicopters, pointing out deficiencies in state and institutional actions.