Large Fire Rages Near Sungurlare, Bulgaria; Arson Investigation Underway

Sungurlare, Bulgaria – august 9, 2025 – A significant wildfire has been burning for over 24 hours in the vicinity of sungurlare Municipality, bulgaria, prompting a large-scale firefighting response and raising concerns among local residents.Authorities are investigating the blaze as a potential act of intentional arson,marking it as the latest in a series of similar incidents in the region.

The fire, visible for miles, has prompted the deployment of 10 firefighting teams from neighboring settlements. Firefighters are battling challenging conditions, including strong winds and difficult terrain, to contain the spread of the flames. Sungurlare Mayor Dimitar gavazov is currently on-site, coordinating efforts with emergency services.

According to preliminary assessments,the fire originated in a field near the village of Pobeda,approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Sungurlare. The affected area primarily consists of dry grasslands and scrubland,with the fire threatening agricultural lands and potentially residential areas. The current fire perimeter is estimated to be over 200 hectares.

Local volunteers are assisting firefighters by providing water, equipment, and food supplies.The rugged terrain is hindering ground-based firefighting efforts, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent the fire from spreading towards the town center. The nearest fire station capable of providing immediate response is located in Karnobat, approximately 25 kilometers away, highlighting the need for improved local emergency services.

This incident follows three other reported cases of suspected arson-related fires in the Burgas Province over the past month, prompting calls for increased security measures and a dedicated fire service for Sungurlare Municipality. The Burgas Regional Directorate of Fire safety and Civil Protection has dispatched a team of investigators to determine the cause of the fire and gather evidence.

Watch drone footage of the fire here

Background: Sungurlare Municipality, located in the Burgas Province of southeastern Bulgaria, is primarily an agricultural region. The area is prone to wildfires during the dry summer months. The lack of a dedicated local fire service has been a long-standing concern for residents, who rely on assistance from neighboring municipalities in emergency situations. The current population of sungurlare is approximately 5,200.