The merciless fiery force that has engulfed the Sakar Mountains transforms dozens of square kilometers into devastated land, inflicting dramatic damage on one of the most sensitive ecological areas in Bulgaria. Experts are sounding the alarm about a large-scale ecological crisis caused by a combination of unfavorable climatic and human factors.
Meteorological conditions created an ideal scenario for fire expansion - extremely high temperatures, prolonged drought, and strong daytime winds contributed to the rapid spread of flames. Initial analyses point to the likelihood of human negligence as an additional catalyst for the disaster.
The scale of the rescue operation is unprecedented. Hundreds of professional firefighters, volunteers, and rescue teams are working around the clock, using specialized equipment, including military helicopters and international assistance. Organizations like "Gorata.bg" have mobilized significant human and technical resources to control the destructive fire.
The ecological damage is catastrophic. Over 3,000 hectares of forest and shrub vegetation, which are part of the European ecological network Natura 2000, have been destroyed. Habitats of dozens of protected animal species - birds, rabbits, foxes, and deer - have been completely erased, putting their survival at serious risk.
Centuries-old oak and pine forests disappeared within hours, causing irreparable damage to the plant ecosystem. Populations of insects, small mammals, and birds have been literally wiped out, which will require years of restoration activities.
The post-fire situation requires a large-scale ecological intervention. The land remains extremely vulnerable to erosion processes, and the restoration of forest areas will require coordinated efforts between state institutions, scientific experts, and volunteer organizations.
The local community is deeply concerned about the scale of the ecological catastrophe. Evacuation measures were taken, and access to the affected areas was temporarily restricted for prevention and safety.