A national ecological catastrophe shook Bulgaria on July 27, 2025, when nearly a hundred fire centers engulfed mountain areas, causing massive evacuations and irreversible damage to natural habitats.
The Pirin and Melnik regions were the most severely affected, where flames destroy critical ecosystems. The settlements of Simintli and Kozarevo were forcibly evacuated, while the fire front mercilessly destroyed homes and natural territories.
Ornithologists and environmentalists are sounding the alarm about the drastic impact on biological diversity. Lake Pomorie, part of the important migratory corridor Via Pontica, is facing a serious ecological threat endangering the population of over 1,000 flamingos.
The consequences for endangered species are especially critical. The Eastern Rhodopes, habitat of Egyptian and bearded vultures, are under direct risk. Scientific experts highlight the potential loss of rare plant species such as Papaver degenii in the Pirin mountain.
Currently, institutions are still conducting an initial assessment of the damage, with final data on affected animal populations yet to be established.