Volunteer firefighting units from across the country, involved in extinguishing fires, have received equipment purchased with donations from over 1,800 people through a campaign by WWF-Bulgaria, the environmental organization announced, as cited by BTA. The volunteers are now equipped with backpack fire pumps, half-face respirator masks and leaf blowers.

Suffocation and poisoning are among the greatest risks during fires. That’s why it’s important for volunteers to have respirator masks fitted with the correct filters, WWF explained. Backpack fire pumps and leaf blowers are indispensable for controlling forest and field fires, especially in difficult-to-access areas.

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In Bulgaria, volunteer units exist in about 90% of municipalities, assisting authorities not only during fires but also in all kinds of emergency situations.

“More than 90% of fires in our country are caused by human activity. That’s why we hope people realize it is our shared responsibility as a society to protect Bulgaria’s nature and our homes”, said Vladimir Ivanov from WWF Bulgaria, as quoted by BTA. 

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA-archive