Bulgarian authorities are investigating a fire that broke out overnight at an ammunition storage facility operated by private defence firm EMCO in central Bulgaria. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said outside interference has not been ruled out. The company described the incident as sabotage and pointed to a series of similar events at Bulgarian defence sites since 2011. The blaze caused multiple explosions but caused no injuries. EMCO, whose products are supplied to Ukraine, stated that the facility near Gorni Varpishta had not been in use for months and had passed a regulatory inspection 20 days earlier.
What happened at the EMCO site?
The fire occurred at a storage facility near the village of Gorni Varpishta, roughly 170 km east of Sofia. The site had been unused for several months. EMCO confirmed that inspectors had verified full regulatory compliance only three weeks before the incident. Explosions followed the initial blaze, yet no one was hurt.
Why does EMCO call the fire sabotage?
The company said human error can be excluded. It noted that the facility was empty and had recently been checked. EMCO linked the event to a pattern of incidents affecting Bulgarian defence companies since 2011 and described the latest case as part of a series of acts targeting the sector.
How does this relate to previous incidents?
EMCO reported a similar fire and series of blasts at another of its ammunition warehouses in the same area last month. The firm is led by Emilian Gebrev, who Bulgarian prosecutors say has been targeted by Russian agents, including a 2015 poisoning attempt on Gebrev, his son and an employee. Three Russian nationals were charged in absentia in that case.
What is Bulgaria’s role in arms supplies?
Bulgaria remains a significant supplier of weapons to Ukraine. While state-owned deliveries have stopped, private companies such as EMCO continue to provide ammunition. The country is an EU and NATO member that has faced repeated suspected sabotage attempts at defence facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly did the fire take place?
The incident occurred at an EMCO storage site near Gorni Varpishta, about 170 km east of Sofia.
Was anyone injured?
No injuries were reported despite the fire triggering multiple explosions.
Has Bulgaria seen similar events before?
Yes. EMCO cited multiple incidents at Bulgarian defence firms since 2011 and described the latest fire as part of that pattern.
Who runs EMCO?
The company is led by Bulgarian arms dealer Emilian Gebrev, who has previously been the target of alleged Russian operations.
Does the government suspect outside involvement?
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev stated that authorities are not ruling out outside interference.
Key takeaways
- A fire and explosions hit an unused EMCO ammunition site near Gorni Varpishta.
- EMCO attributes the incident to sabotage and excludes human error.
- A comparable event occurred at another EMCO warehouse last month.
- Company owner Emilian Gebrev was previously targeted in a 2015 poisoning case.
- Bulgarian private firms continue supplying weapons to Ukraine.