Plovdiv, Bulgaria — June 12, 2025: A large fire broke out Wednesday morning inside a nightclub located within a prominent hotel complex in Plovdiv, prompting a significant emergency response and raising fears of a potential explosion due to its proximity to a nearby gas station. While no injuries have been reported, authorities say the operation to extinguish the fire remains ongoing.
According to local fire department officials, the blaze erupted shortly after 11 a.m. and rapidly engulfed the nightclub and several adjacent commercial units housed within the multi-purpose complex. Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the building, alarming residents and workers in the surrounding area.
The local fire services received the initial alert at 11:15 a.m., confirmed Dimitar Brishimov, head of the “Firefighting and Rescue” unit in Plovdiv. He said that the flames had already consumed much of the interior of the nightclub by the time the first crews arrived.
“Given the scale of the fire and the potential risks posed by nearby infrastructure, including the gas station just meters away, we immediately mobilized eight firefighting teams,” Brishimov told reporters at the scene.
“We also deployed medical response units and utilized an auto-ladder to access the roof and prevent the fire from spreading further through the installation above.”
Thick Smoke, Poor Visibility Complicate Response
Eyewitnesses described seeing dark smoke pouring from the upper floors of the structure, with flames visible from the club’s windows and roof area. The second floor, where the nightclub is located, had severely limited visibility when fire crews entered the building.
Smoke ventilation was among the first tasks firefighters undertook, creating openings in the structure to allow toxic fumes to escape and give emergency teams access to the heart of the fire.
By the time responders arrived, workers who had been inside the club carrying out renovation work had already evacuated. Officials said emergency crews immediately confirmed that no other individuals were trapped inside before commencing active fire suppression efforts.
“We focused heavily on the suspended ceiling, which was one of the main components feeding the fire,” said Brishimov. “The flames traveled through the insulation and soundproofing materials, posing a challenge in both access and suppression.”
Fire Possibly Caused by Renovation Work
Preliminary findings point to renovation activity as the likely source of the fire. Unofficial reports indicate that welding work was being conducted on the nightclub’s roof structure when a spark may have ignited soundproofing material—commonly made of flammable foam or insulating panels.
While the investigation is ongoing, early assessments by fire personnel support this theory. A welder is believed to have inadvertently caused the ignition during routine structural work. The fire rapidly spread through the lightweight and combustible suspended ceiling, intensifying before it could be brought under control.
Senior Commissioner Vasil Dimov, head of the Regional Directorate “Fire Safety and Population Protection,” said that while the exact cause remains under review, the risk was exacerbated by the materials present in the ceiling and renovation debris.
Nearby Gas Station Shut Down as Precaution
One of the most serious concerns during the early stages of the fire was the nightclub’s proximity to a gas station, which sits just a few meters from the complex. The station was immediately shut down by staff, who noticed smoke before emergency services arrived and alerted authorities.
“The quick action of the gas station staff potentially prevented a catastrophe,” said Commissioner Dimov. “Their alert allowed us to isolate the area and prevent any flammable materials from contributing to the incident.”
Despite fears of a possible explosion, officials confirmed there was no immediate threat to the public. Air quality checks conducted on-site indicated no risk of gas poisoning, and the hotel portion of the complex was deemed safe. As a result, no evacuation of guests or nearby residents was required.
“The smoke was largely contained within the nightclub and adjacent commercial units,” Dimov added. “Thanks to the fast and coordinated response, the hotel was not affected.”
Public Safety Maintained as Operation Continues
Throughout the day, dozens of onlookers gathered behind police cordons to watch the emergency response unfold. Authorities closed off surrounding roads to allow fire engines and emergency medical vehicles to access the site without obstruction.
Firefighters continued battling lingering hotspots late into the afternoon. By early evening, the majority of the flames had been extinguished, though smoke continued to rise from isolated sections of the building.
“This will be a prolonged operation,” Brishimov said. “Even though the main fire has been brought under control, we are conducting secondary sweeps to ensure no remaining pockets reignite.”
No casualties have been reported so far, and emergency medical teams confirmed that none of the workers or responders sustained injuries. Authorities said all hotel guests remain safe and have been advised to avoid the affected wing of the building until further notice.
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators have already begun a detailed review of the site, interviewing witnesses and collecting samples from the nightclub interior. It remains unclear whether safety protocols were followed during the renovation work.
“We are examining whether all fire safety regulations were adhered to,” said Commissioner Dimov. “If negligence is found, appropriate actions will be taken.”
In the wake of the incident, officials are also expected to review fire safety requirements for similar establishments undergoing construction or renovation, particularly in mixed-use buildings that house entertainment venues alongside accommodation and fuel stations.
Local authorities have urged businesses and contractors to follow strict fire safety measures during structural work, especially involving welding or electrical systems.
Community Reaction
The fire has sparked concern among Plovdiv residents, with many taking to social media to praise the swift emergency response and express relief that no lives were lost.
“This could have been a disaster,” said Ivan Kolev, a nearby shop owner who witnessed the smoke from his storefront. “We’re lucky the firefighters acted so quickly, especially with that gas station right there.”
As the city reflects on the near-miss, officials continue working to fully extinguish the remaining embers and assess the full extent of the damage. For now, Plovdiv has narrowly avoided what could have been a far more devastating tragedy.