Bulgaria implements AI and drones to combat wildfire risks

Bulgaria is seeing a decrease in wildfire frequency, with approximately 25-30% fewer fires compared to last year. However, around 3,000 hectares of forest land have already been destroyed, with projections suggesting the total could reach 5,000 hectares, a significant reduction from the 130,000 hectares lost last year.

Chief Commissioner Alexander Zhartov attributed the decline to a cooler, rainier July and improved organizational efforts within fire services. Authorities are increasingly deploying technology to combat fires, including drones and static AI-powered cameras mounted on towers. These cameras, which currently operate in Southwest Bulgaria, can monitor an area within a 40-kilometer range. Plans are underway to expand this surveillance to Rila Nature Park over the next two years.

Agriculture Minister Plamen Abrovski has issued urgent appeals for public responsibility, noting that many fires are caused by human error, such as discarding cigarettes from vehicles. Officials are currently assessing damages to forest territories and emphasizing the need for citizens to maintain their properties to prevent overgrown vegetation from fueling fires.