Direct losses from forest fires in Bulgaria increase more than eightfold in 15 years.
An analysis by WWF Bulgaria shows that direct losses from forest fires have increased more than eightfold on average over the last 15 years, with nearly 38% of the total for the period 2011-2025 attributed to 2025. The main cause is the Pirin fire, which cost over 17 million leva.
The total amount of direct economic damage caused by forest fires between 2011 and 2025 amounts to BGN 44.8 million, with nearly 38% of the losses incurred in 2025 alone.
The exceptionally high losses recorded in 2025 are largely due to the devastating wildfire in the Pirin Mountains, which caused more than BGN 17 million in damage. However, the actual cost of the fires is estimated to be many times higher, as the official figures account only for direct economic losses, such as damaged or destroyed timber, burned buildings and infrastructure, and the direct costs incurred by forestry authorities in controlling and extinguishing the fires.
The calculations do not include firefighting expenses borne by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, regional administrations, municipalities, volunteers, or private forest owners. They also exclude the costs of restoring burned forest areas, which are covered by state forestry enterprises and other forest owners.
Furthermore, the estimates do not take into account the environmental and social damage caused by wildfires, which is difficult to quantify. Fires in watershed areas can reduce water quality, increase the risk of flooding, and decrease water availability, particularly during dry periods. Forests also store carbon, help mitigate climate change, protect soils from erosion, provide habitats for wildlife, and offer people opportunities to enjoy nature. Although these losses are difficult to measure financially, their consequences are felt across society.