site.btaPartial Evacuations Ordered in SE Town of Sredets amid Fire at Plastic Waste Storage Facility
Authorities have ordered the partial evacuation of residents in the town of Sredets Thursday following a large fire at a plastic waste storage facility, said Burgas District Governor Vladimir Krumov. The blaze, which damaged nearby school buildings, prompted officials to relocate vulnerable populations as they continue efforts to contain the fire and monitor air quality.
Part of the fire that broke out at a plastic waste warehouse in the town of Sredets has been localized, officials announced during a joint press conference. The blaze started in a storage facility for nylon and plastic waste where three workers were present at the time.
"People can't go back home unless the quality of air improves. The BG-Alert system has been activated to warn all who may be affected. Keeping the life and health of people is a priority," said Krumov.
The first alert came from police officers conducting routine checks, who noticed thick smoke rising from the industrial site. Ten firefighting teams, including specialized units equipped with air quality monitoring devices, have been deployed to the scene.
Commissioner Nikolay Nikolaev, head of the Burgas Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection, said the main focus initially was to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby town. The flames crossed a main road and reached the grounds of a local school, damaging several buildings. Currently, only the original warehouse remains on fire, and the blaze is contained on the side facing the school and the town.
Two firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation.
Water tankers from Sredets and Burgas municipalities are assisting, as the local water supply is insufficient to meet firefighting needs.
Environmental inspectors from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in Burgas confirmed that field air tests detected slightly elevated levels of methane and carbon dioxide, which is typical of plastic burning. While these measurements are within normal limits for such incidents, residents are advised to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor activities. A mobile laboratory will continue to monitor air quality over the coming days.
Burgas District Prosecutor Georgi Chinev announced an investigation into the fire’s cause is underway. Authorities will determine whether negligence or intentional acts were involved, with further inspections planned once conditions permit.
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