Bulgaria is a reliable partner in the European Commission’s efforts to combat natural disasters, Interior Minister Daniel Mitov said on Monday during a ceremony honoring the Firefighter of the Year 2024.
Speaking at the event, Mitov highlighted Bulgaria’s role in assisting neighboring Greece, noting that for the third consecutive year, the country has deployed personnel and resources to battle wildfires there. He emphasized Bulgaria’s participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as vital for effective disaster response.
“In emergency situations, it is crucial to act in solidarity—not only with EU countries but also with those beyond our borders,” Mitov said. “International assistance was crucial when Bulgaria faced some of the worst wildfires in its modern history.”
Mitov also acknowledged the support Bulgaria received from France, Spain, and Turkiye in controlling fires at home, praising the efforts of frontline responders. He assured that authorities were working to ensure firefighters and rescuers had the necessary resources to carry out their duties safely.
“Last year was particularly challenging operationally,” said Chief Commissioner Alexander Dzhartov, head of the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection. “Without the air force, ground troops, and volunteers, we would not have managed,” he added.
Senior Commissioner Vasil Dimov, head of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection in Plovdiv, was named Firefighter of the Year for leading teams in battling forest fires in the region.
Meanwhile, in response to deteriorating weather conditions, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov ordered the Interior Ministry to conduct road safety checks, Mitov said at a briefing.
Officials have already begun inspections to enhance traffic safety, with a focus on heavy vehicles operating with worn-out tires.
“The prime minister ordered road checks due to snowfall, particularly targeting heavy vehicles that disrupt traffic,” Mitov said. “Violators will face fines.”
Earlier, the Council of Ministers’ press office said Zhelyazkov had mandated round-the-clock road monitoring amid snowfall, ensuring strict adherence to road clearance and maintenance requirements.
