A forest fire with potentially destructive impact is threatening the protected territories of Pirin National Park, the park director Rosen Banenski reported to BTA. The fire front, which initially entered towards Konski Kladenets peak, is currently spreading on the ground in an extremely hard-to-access terrain.
According to expert assessments, the fire has engulfed approximately 10-15 decares of coniferous forest, including black pine and white pine plantations. The area is heavily smoky, which further complicates rescue operations. Specialists are working with the main goal of limiting the spread of fire and preventing a potential crown fire.
Currently, the only effective method to combat the fire is aerial firefighting. According to Banenski, the situation is extremely dynamic and depends on multiple factors, including wind, humidity, and terrain features. "We want to prevent further spread of the fire," the park director is resolute.
Significant human resources have been mobilized for rescue operations, including military personnel who are helping to extinguish the fire in the Pirin and Sungurlare Municipality area. The exact size of the destroyed areas will be determined in the coming days, after the complete containment of the fire source.
Various plant species have been affected - shrubs, trees, and grass cover. Experts are extremely concerned about preserving the biological diversity in this highly sensitive ecological region.