Sofia's Lyulin Waste‑Processing Plant Fire Sparks Air‑Quality Alerts

On 1 July a large fire broke out at the Ecobulpack waste‑recycling plant on Bancho shosse in Sofia’s Lyulin district. The blaze engulfed two storage halls covering about 2 000 m², prompting the deployment of more than 15 fire engines, a chemical unit, water‑tanker support and emergency medical crews. Authorities suspect the ignition may have been caused by discarded batteries or pressurised canisters in the waste stream.

Air‑quality monitoring stations, including a municipal mobile unit and equipment from the Environmental Agency, recorded elevated benzene concentrations in the surrounding neighbourhood. Deputy Mayor for Ecology Nikolay Nedelkov advised residents to keep windows closed and to limit outdoor activities, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. The municipal administration sent notifications to all kindergartens and schools in Sofia. By early morning the fire was contained within the plant perimeter, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

The incident prompted the use of drone‑borne sensors from Sofia University to obtain a detailed chemical profile of the plume, confirming that while benzene levels were above normal, they remained below critical health thresholds. Continuous real‑time data were made available on the city’s website for public reference.