SOFIA, Bulgaria â A powerful explosion and fire hit an ammunition storage complex operated by Bulgarian arms company EMCO late Friday, September 11, sending flames into the night sky and triggering repeated blasts in the Gabrovo region. No deaths or injuries have been reported, but the incident is drawing intense attention because another EMCO weapons facility was hit by a serious fire just over a month ago.
Explosion hits another weapons site in Bulgaria https://t.co/MjqJZqCr28 https://t.co/MjqJZqCr28
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 12, 2026
The latest emergency began at around 11:20 p.m. local time near Gorni Varpishta, between Tryavna and Tsareva Livada in central Bulgaria.
Residents reported hearing a series of explosions as ammunition burned inside the complex, while fire and smoke could be seen from surrounding areas.
Regional governor Kristina Sidorova said during the overnight response that the fire was moving through the storage base. Local reports said the facility contains 11 warehouses.
Ammunition and gunpowder stored at EMCO site
EMCO representative Slavcho Dimiev said ammunition and gunpowder were stored at the facility.
The affected warehouses were not occupied when the fire started. Two security guards were able to leave the complex, while other personnel were evacuated. Officials have reported no injuries.
The site lies several kilometres from Tsareva Livada. Police said the nearest populated area was more than one kilometre away, reducing the immediate risk to homes but prompting authorities to restrict access around the complex.
Three firefighting teams were initially deployed. Crews had to operate cautiously because burning ammunition created a continuing risk of secondary explosions.
BG-Alert issued as roads are closed
Bulgaria’s BG-Alert emergency warning system was activated as police cordoned off the surrounding area.
Authorities told residents there was no immediate danger to nearby settlements but warned people to remain away from the facility. The road from Donino toward Tsareva Livada was closed during the emergency response.
Reports of explosions also prompted checks around nearby communities, including villages toward Veliko Tarnovo. Officials said no separate fires were found there.
The response reflects the additional danger created when explosive materials catch fire. A recent fireworks explosion in Mexico that killed 10 people and injured dozens showed how rapidly incidents involving stored explosives can escalate.
Second EMCO incident since August
The timing of the latest fire is a major part of the story.
Another EMCO ammunition facility near Belitsa in Tryavna municipality caught fire on August 10. Explosions followed, and unexploded ammunition had to be cleared from the area.
The Gabrovo District Prosecutor’s Office said on September 4 that investigators were still examining all possible explanations for that earlier incident.
The inquiry includes fire-technical, chemical, DNA, fingerprint, structural and video examinations. Prosecutors said 11 witnesses had already been questioned and further interviews were planned.
Authorities were also examining records showing the movement of materials into and out of the damaged Belitsa warehouse. No final cause had been announced.
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EMCO’s history puts new fire under scrutiny
EMCO is controlled by Bulgarian arms trader Emilian Gebrev, and previous explosions involving company facilities have been investigated as suspected sabotage.
In 2024, Bulgaria issued arrest warrants for six Russian citizens accused of involvement in explosions at EMCO arms depots between 2011 and 2020. Prosecutors said some of the ammunition stored at those facilities had been intended for export to Ukraine and Georgia.
Bulgarian authorities have also investigated possible links between those incidents, the attempted poisoning of Gebrev in 2015 and ammunition depot explosions in the Czech Republic in 2014.
Russia has denied allegations of involvement.
There is currently no confirmed evidence linking Russia, sabotage or another foreign actor to the September 12 fire. The past investigations provide important context but do not establish the cause of the latest explosion.
Fire localized as investigators face key questions
By Saturday morning, firefighters had localized the blaze, while emergency operations and monitoring continued. Officials said surrounding settlements were not in danger.
Air quality was also being monitored because smoke from burning ammunition and other materials could pose environmental concerns.
The incident comes as ammunition production and storage have become strategically important across Europe amid the war in Ukraine and efforts to rebuild military inventories. Companies such as Rheinmetall have benefited from stronger European defence and ammunition demand.
Investigators must now determine where the September fire started, how much ammunition was damaged, whether safety systems failed and whether there is any connection to the August 10 incident.
For residents around Tsareva Livada and Gorni Varpishta, the most important confirmed developments remain that no casualties have been reported, personnel were evacuated, the blaze was localized and authorities have said nearby communities are not currently at risk.
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