Wildfires have caused damage worth around BGN 10 M since the beginning of 2015, according to Bulgaria’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Georgi Kostov.
Kostov told the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday that extinguishing fire on an area of 1 decare cost BGN 500-1000, a helicopter flyover had a price tag of BGN 1000, and reafforestation cost BGN 500-1000, depending on the type of trees.
He informed that some 5000 decares of forest had burned down since the beginning of 2015.
“This means damage worth nearly BGN 10 M so far. We have had 145 forest fires,” Kostov declared.
He urged people to act responsibly and to observe fire safety regulations, adding that there were a number of hot and dry days to go by the end of the summer season.
He also urged people to report fires to the 112 emergency phone number.