# Bulgaria & North Macedonia wildfire response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-wildfire-response
> Updated: 2026-07-31T10:17:04.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026 Bulgaria mobilised its armed forces and deployed aerial drones to contain intense wildfires, aiming to protect forested and populated areas as hot, dry conditions set in after the rainy period ended. By the end of July fire officials warned that risk remained high, noting an average of about 15 open‑space fires per day, and a major blaze on Puhlevо dere street in Ruse required three hours of firefighting, municipal excavators and police intervention.

On 31 July, North Macedonia declared a 30‑day state of emergency covering the entire territory, effective 1 August. The Center for Crisis Management activated a crisis headquarters to hold continuous sessions and was tasked with drafting a comprehensive action plan within 24 hours, covering prevention, resource assessment and coordinated response. Director Stoianche Angelov reiterated warnings about high temperatures, low humidity and wind, urging citizens not to discard cigarettes, light fires or use spark‑producing tools, and to report any suspicious activity to police or emergency number 112. Firefighters and aerial units have so far extinguished all reported ignitions.

## Claims

- Director Stoianche Angelov warned that high temperatures, low humidity and wind create rapid fire spread and urged citizens not to discard cigarettes, light fires, or use spark‑producing tools. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- In July, an average of about 15 open‑space fires were recorded per day. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The crisis plan includes activation of the main crisis headquarters at the Center for Crisis Management, which must draft an action plan within 24 hours. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The government mobilised institutional capacities to protect lives, property and natural resources. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The government of North Macedonia declared a 30‑day crisis state for fire risk starting 1 August 2026. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The crisis covers the entire territory of North Macedonia. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- A fire broke out at the municipal landfill in Valandovo and was contained using two emergency tractors and aerial support. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A separate fire occurred in the village of Udovo near Valandovo and was extinguished by fire crews. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: North Macedonia declares 30‑day fire‑risk crisis

North Macedonia declared a 30‑day fire‑risk crisis starting 1 Aug 2026, activating a crisis headquarters, mobilising all institutions and urging the public to avoid actions that could spark fires.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-fire-officials-warn-of-wildfire-risk-amid-large-blaze-in-ruse

### 2026-07-01: Bulgaria Deploys Military, Drones to Combat Summer Wildfires

Bulgaria's cabinet approved a summer wildfire plan, positioning fire teams near risk zones, deploying drones, and mobilising army helicopters and a specialised aircraft for fire suppression.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-deploys-military-drones-to-combat-summer-wildfires

---
Cite as: Bulgaria & North Macedonia wildfire response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgaria-wildfire-response