Preparedness can make all the difference when every minute counts.
More than 100 small towns and villages across Bulgaria are strengthening their capacity to respond to wildfires through an initiative of the National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAVRB), supported by The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation.
The programme goes beyond providing firefighting equipment. Local fire response depots are being established, while mayors, local administrations and communities receive practical guidance and training aimed at improving prevention, coordination and the critical first response when a fire breaks out.
The initiative is funded through the more than €100,000 donation provided by The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to NAVRB in 2025. The support is also helping provide off-road firefighting vehicles, specialised equipment and tools for field operations.
The broader support for emergency response is also being reinforced through a new partnership between Bankya and the Bulgarian Food Bank. As part of the Bulgarian Food Bank’s “Mission Food” campaign, Bankya will provide mineral water for volunteers and field teams supporting people and communities affected by natural disasters. The initiative is carried out in partnership with NAVRB and with the support of Bulgaria’s General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection.
The partnership is intended to develop further through educational and social initiatives, with particular attention to the importance of proper hydration for people working in demanding emergency conditions. More than 3,600 volunteers across Bulgaria respond to crises and disasters each year, often facing high temperatures, physical exhaustion and limited access to food and water.
For Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, a member of the Hellenic Business Council in Bulgaria, these initiatives reflect a broader approach to sustainability — one that combines long-term investment with practical support for stronger and better-prepared local communities.
As Bulgaria continues to face increasingly challenging wildfire seasons, initiatives like these demonstrate the value of cooperation between business, volunteer organisations and local authorities — not only when disaster strikes, but before it happens.
