Wildfire in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria

A large wildfire near the village of Ilindentsi in Southwestern Bulgaria has encroached on the territory of Pirin National Park, affecting approximately 1-1.5 hectares of the park. The fire front is heavily smoked, and the exact size of the affected area will be determined once the blaze is under control. The fire is spreading through difficult-to-access terrain, and while it is not as intense as in the early stages, the situation remains dynamic and dependent on various factors.

Key Takeaways:

• The wildfire has entered Pirin National Park, affecting an estimated 1-1.5 hectares of the park, according to Pirin National Park Director Rosen Banenski.
• The fire front is currently heavily smoked, making it difficult to determine the exact size of the affected area.
• The fire is spreading through difficult-to-access terrain, which has made it challenging for firefighting teams to respond effectively.
• Firefighting teams have been evacuated due to crown fire activity on one of the fire fronts, driven by strong winds.
• The front toward Pirin National Park has been contained with the help of helicopters, while the other front still sees active crown fire.
• Firefighting efforts are currently being conducted exclusively by helicopters, with all personnel safely withdrawn from the area.

Statistics:

• Estimated affected area: 1-1.5 hectares
• Terrain difficulty: Difficult-to-access
• Number of personnel evacuated: All personnel have been withdrawn and are safe
• Current firefighting efforts: Conducted exclusively by helicopters

Sources:

• BTA (Bulgarian Telegraph Agency)
• Rosen Banenski, Director of Pirin National Park
• Valentin Vasilev, Director of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate of the Interior Ministry in Blagoevgrad