# Forest fire reduction in Bulgaria and Romania > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-reduction-in-bulgaria-and-romania > Updated: 2026-09-16T11:50:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Reports from Bulgaria and Romania indicate a decrease in forest and vegetation fires during the 2026 season compared to 2025. In Bulgaria, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev stated that the area of forest land affected by fires is “six times smaller” than the previous year. Data shows a nearly 21% decrease in total fire incidents, with over 3,000 fewer fires recorded than in 2025. Additionally, large-scale fires affecting areas over 300 decares dropped by more than 55%. The Minister attributed these results to the Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection and collaborative efforts with various ministries and volunteers. Similarly, Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) reported that vegetation fires decreased by approximately 28% between January and August 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Forest fire interventions also saw a decline of about 25%. Despite the downward trend, the IGSU warned that high temperatures, drought, and wind continue to pose risks, prompting a national prevention campaign. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: IGSU reports decline in Romanian vegetation fires Romania's IGSU reports a 28% decrease in vegetation fires during the first eight months of 2026 compared to 2025, though over 10,000 interventions highlight a continued high risk. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/igsu-reports-decline-in-romanian-vegetation-fires ### 2026-09-14: Bulgaria reports sixfold decrease in forest fire damage Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev reported that forest fire-affected areas have decreased sixfold compared to last year, with large-scale fires dropping by over 55%. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-reports-sixfold-decrease-in-forest-fire-damage --- Cite as: Forest fire reduction in Bulgaria and Romania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-reduction-in-bulgaria-and-romania