Bulgaria Investigates Fire at EMCO Weapons Depot Near Tsareva Livada
On Saturday, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev announced that Bulgarian officials are probing a fire that erupted at a weapons storage site managed by arms dealer EMCO, located near Tsareva Livada. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. The fire, which illuminated the night sky and was shown in local broadcasts, has since been contained while investigations continue. Demerdzhiev mentioned that authorities would look into past fires at EMCO and other firms to identify any potential links or patterns, noting that external interference remains a possibility. This incident follows an explosion at another EMCO depot in western Bulgaria in August. EMCO claimed the fire was due to sabotage, referencing over ten similar occurrences at Bulgarian defense companies since 2011, although no suspects were identified.
Key facts
- A fire broke out at an EMCO weapons storage facility near Tsareva Livada, Bulgaria.
- Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said the cause is under investigation, including possible sabotage.
- No injuries were reported and the fire was brought under control.
- Authorities are examining a possible link to an August blaze at another EMCO depot in western Bulgaria.
- Demerdzhiev said outside interference is not being ruled out.
- EMCO said the fire was the result of sabotage, citing more than 10 similar incidents at Bulgarian defence firms since 2011.
- EMCO did not identify any suspects.
- The facility is run by a Bulgarian arms trader whose sites have been alleged to be targets of Russian operative attacks.
Entities
Artists
- Ivan Demerdzhiev
Institutions
- EMCO
Locations
- Bulgaria
- Tsareva Livada