# EMKO ammunition warehouse explosions in Bulgaria > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/emko-ammunition-warehouse-explosions-in-bulgaria > Updated: 2026-09-11T21:58:43.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 2. In August 2026, a fire and series of explosions occurred at an EMKO ammunition warehouse near the village of Gorni Varpišta in the Gabrovo region. The incident involved the ignition of gunpowder and ammunition, prompting the activation of the BG-Alert system. While no injuries were reported, emergency teams used drones to monitor the site due to the risk of further detonations. This event followed a previous incident on August 10 at an EMKO production base near Belitsa, which caused explosions and a forest fire. In response to the August 10 incident, the Tryavna Municipality extended a partial state of emergency for 30 days covering a 500-meter radius around the facility to allow specialized teams to clear unexploded remnants from nearby forests and agricultural lands. The recurring nature of these incidents has drawn scrutiny, as Bulgarian prosecutors have previously investigated links between explosions at EMKO sites and Russian intelligence operations. In 2024, Bulgaria issued arrest warrants for six Russian citizens suspected of involvement in previous destructions of EMKO warehouses containing ammunition intended for export to Ukraine and Georgia. Moscow has consistently rejected all allegations of involvement in these attacks. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev stated that authorities are investigating all possibilities, including “external interference or sabotage,” and the government has announced plans to inspect every ammunition warehouse across the country. ## Claims - No injuries were reported from the fire. (corroborated by 31 sources) - This is the second fire at an ammunition facility in recent weeks. (corroborated by 28 sources) - The fire took place at an EMCO facility. (corroborated by 28 sources) - An explosion and fire occurred at an arms warehouse near Tsareva Livada in central Bulgaria. (corroborated by 22 sources) - In 2024, Bulgaria issued arrest warrants for six Russian citizens accused of involvement in destroying EMCO ammunition warehouses. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The fire is spreading from one warehouse to another within the storage base. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The destroyed ammunition was intended for export to Ukraine and Georgia between 2011 and 2020. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Prosecutors have alleged links between EMCO facility explosions and Russian intelligence operations. (corroborated by 14 sources) - EMCO owner Emilian Gekbrev has been a target of attacks by Russian agents. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Russia has rejected allegations regarding its involvement in the explosions and attacks. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The BG-Alert system was activated due to the fire and explosion risk. (corroborated by 9 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Bulgaria: Explosion and fire at EMCO ammunition warehouse A major explosion and fire struck an EMCO ammunition warehouse in central Bulgaria, marking the second such incident in weeks. No injuries were reported, and nationwide inspections have been ordered. 51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emko-ammunition-warehouse-fire-reported-in-bulgaria ### 2026-08-20: Tryavna extends emergency status near EMKO ammunition warehouse Tryavna Municipality has extended the partial state of emergency near the EMKO Ltd. ammunition warehouse for 30 days due to the ongoing risk of unexploded ordnance following an August 10 explosion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tryavna-extends-emergency-status-near-emko-ammunition-warehouse --- Cite as: EMKO ammunition warehouse explosions in Bulgaria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/emko-ammunition-warehouse-explosions-in-bulgaria