The terrain is difficult to access and the situation is further complicated by deliberately scattered spikes on the main road to the reserve.

The park management will refer the case to the responsible authorities.

Yesterday, 18.07.2024 at 14:30 a report was received about a forest fire in the area of Dzhufardere, Steneto Reserve, Central Balkan National Park. The individual who submitted the report, together with his colleague and the park ranger, in whose section the fire started, arrived on site - East of Mount Sivria, Red Rocks area, within half an hour. They took immediate action to stop the spread of the fire with all available resources. Officers from the Park Department and firefighters with the necessary equipment headed immediately to the affected location, which is difficult to access. They were joined in their efforts by forestry staff and volunteers, as well as a local sheep farmer. As of 19:00, more than 50 people were involved in extinguishing the fire, including 21 Central Balkan employees. A specialized helicopter is also involved in the measures.

Despite attempts to contain the fire on the periphery, the forest along the Castrak gully and Juffar gully (mainly the Western slopes) was quickly engulfed by flames, aided by the violent winds in the area. Forests are affected consisting of centuries-old beech and mixed trees of water hornbeam, beech, common hornbeam, and winter oak.

Firefighting efforts by firefighters, park officials, foresters, and volunteers are ongoing. The terrain is very difficult, water has to be brought on site by horses and jeeps to extinguish the fire. Today the Minister of Environment and Water Petar Dimitrov joined the team on site. "The fire was probably lit intentionally. The terrain is difficult to access, and the situation is further complicated by spikes on the main road to the reserve. The cars of the Central Balkan National Park staff have broken tyres. We are using an alternative access through a very difficult terrain," said Minister Dimitrov.

The spread of the fire to the West and East has been contained. The most serious situation remains on the Southern front, which is entirely forested.

At present, the area affected is about 1000 hectares, predominantly forest. The fire is ground based with high intensity and a front of over 4 km. The height of the flames reaches 4 m due to the thick layer of dry forest litter.