A major fire broke out at an arms manufacturing facility belonging to the EMCO company in Bulgaria, spreading rapidly across multiple warehouses according to regional officials. The incident follows a history of industrial sabotage incidents tied by local investigators to foreign intelligence operations targeting weapons shipments destined for international export.
Fire Spreads Across EMCO Factory Warehouses in Gabrovo
The fire tore through storage facilities at the weapons plant, jumping from warehouse to warehouse as emergency crews responded to the scene. “At this moment, the fire is in the storage area of the factory. It is spreading from warehouse to warehouse,” said Kristina Sidorova, regional governor of Gabrovo, according to source reporting.
Additional reports from the television channel BNT indicated that another unit suffered an explosion near the locality of Belitsa, where preliminary accounts suggested a truck caught fire before the flames reached an ammunition depot. Authorities deployed police and firefighters to the area, evacuating plant employees by bus and isolating the surrounding zone.
Investigation Links Blasts to Prior Sabotage Cases
Bulgarian investigators have linked the current infrastructure risks to earlier sabotage operations coordinated against military depots across the country.
In 2024, the Bulgarian judiciary issued arrest warrants for six Russian nationals. Prosecutors accuse the suspects of involvement in destroying ammunition stocks intended for export to Ukraine and Georgia between 2011 and 2020. Investigators have publicly pointed to connections between these explosions, the 2015 poisoning attempt against Gebrev, and similar depot blasts in the Czech Republic in 2014.
Did you know? Bulgarian prosecutors have established operational links between arms depot explosions in their country, a 2014 blast in the Czech Republic, and the 2015 poisoning of weapons manufacturer Emilian Gebrev.
Local Environmental Monitoring and Safety Measures
Following the blast near Belitsa, municipal leaders instituted strict containment protocols. Dencho Minev, the mayor of Triavna, confirmed that the area isolation will remain in place until investigators clarify the exact cause of the incident.
Technicians from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Veliko Tarnovo deployed to the site to test air quality and check for toxic gases or pollutants. Local authorities advised residents in the vicinity to keep their windows closed, wear protective masks, and stay indoors. The industrial accident occurred just two days after a drone—believed to be of Ukrainian origin—crashed in northern Bulgaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the weapons factory affected by the fire?
The facility belongs to the Bulgarian arms manufacturing company EMCO, owned by arms trader Emilian Gebrev.
What did regional officials say about the fire’s progression?
Gabrovo regional governor Kristina Sidorova stated that the fire originated in the factory’s storage area and spread rapidly from warehouse to warehouse.
Are there suspected links to foreign sabotage?
Yes. Bulgarian investigators have tied past blasts at EMCO facilities to sabotage operations orchestrated by Russian intelligence services targeting munitions slated for Ukraine and Georgia.
What safety precautions were issued to local residents?
Authorities advised nearby residents to remain indoors, keep windows closed, and use protective masks while environmental technicians test the air for potential toxic gases.
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