A fire is raging in Central Balkan National Park
19 July 2024
Yesterday, 18.07.2024, at 2:30 p.m., a forest fire was reported in the area of Dzhufar Dere, Steneto Reserve, Central Balkan National Park. The animal breeder who gave the signal, together with his colleague and the park ranger, in whose area the fire occurred, were at the place - east of Sivria peak, Chervenite skali locality, within half an hour. They took immediate action to stop the spread of the fire with available means. Employees from the Park Directorate and firefighters with the necessary equipment immediately headed to the affected place, which is difficult to access. Their efforts are joined by animal breeders, forestry employees, and volunteers. At 7 p.m., more than 50 people ncluding 21 employees of Central Balkan participated in the extinguishing, A specialized helicopter was also included in the campaign.
Despite attempts to contain the fire on the periphery, the forest along the rivers Kastrak dere and Dzhufar dere (mainly the western slopes) was quickly engulfed in flames. The process was aided by the stormy wind in the area. Centuries-old beech and mixed forests of European hop-hornbeam, common beech, common hornbeam, winter oak are affected.
Firefighting efforts by firefighters, park employees, forest rangers and volunteers are ongoing. The terrain is very difficult, water for extinguishing the fire has to be carried by horses and jeeps. Today, the Minister of Environment and Water, Petar Dimitrov, joined the actions on the ground. "Probably the fire was intentional. The terrain is difficult to access, and the situation is further complicated by messy spikes along the main road to the reserve. The cars of the Central Balkan National Park employees have slashed tires. We are using an alternative access on a very complex terrain," said Minister Dimitrov.
The spread of the fire in the western and eastern direction has been controlled. The most serious situation remains on the southern front, which falls entirely into forest massifs.
Currently, the affected area is about 1000 decares, mostly forests. The fire is on the ground with high intensity and a front of more than 4 km. The height of the flames reaches 4 m, due to the thick layer of dry forest litter.
Despite attempts to contain the fire on the periphery, the forest along the rivers Kastrak dere and Dzhufar dere (mainly the western slopes) was quickly engulfed in flames. The process was aided by the stormy wind in the area. Centuries-old beech and mixed forests of European hop-hornbeam, common beech, common hornbeam, winter oak are affected.
Firefighting efforts by firefighters, park employees, forest rangers and volunteers are ongoing. The terrain is very difficult, water for extinguishing the fire has to be carried by horses and jeeps. Today, the Minister of Environment and Water, Petar Dimitrov, joined the actions on the ground. "Probably the fire was intentional. The terrain is difficult to access, and the situation is further complicated by messy spikes along the main road to the reserve. The cars of the Central Balkan National Park employees have slashed tires. We are using an alternative access on a very complex terrain," said Minister Dimitrov.
The spread of the fire in the western and eastern direction has been controlled. The most serious situation remains on the southern front, which falls entirely into forest massifs.
Currently, the affected area is about 1000 decares, mostly forests. The fire is on the ground with high intensity and a front of more than 4 km. The height of the flames reaches 4 m, due to the thick layer of dry forest litter.
