Trakia Motorway Closed in Bulgaria Due to Large-Scale Fires

The Trakia motorway, a major transportation artery in Bulgaria, has been completely closed to traffic in both directions between the Kalugerovo junction and the Tserovo junction in the Pazardzhik region. The closure is due to dense smoke resulting from extensive fires burning in dry grass and stubble fields.

Fire Details and Traffic Diversions

According to Miroslav Stoyanov, spokesperson for the Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry in Pazardzhik, the fires began on Monday, July 21, 2025. Traffic is being redirected via a bypass route through the Kalugerovo and Tserovo road junctions. Police teams are on site to manage the traffic flow and assist motorists.

Firefighting Efforts

Six firefighting teams from Belovo, Pazardzhik, Septemvri, and Plovdiv are actively battling the blaze. The fire has spread significantly, covering a large area near the guardrails and between the motorway lanes. Firefighters are prioritizing preventing the fire from spreading to nearby critical infrastructure, including gas stations and the villages of Vinogradets and Kalugerovo.

Separate Forest Fire Near Panagyurishte

In a separate incident, a fire near Panagyurishte has engulfed approximately 200 hectares of forest. Miroslav Stoyanov reported that the fire originated from a combine harvester that caught fire during harvesting, and the perpetrator has been identified, with pre-trial proceedings initiated by the Panagyurishte District Prosecution Office. Fire teams from across the Pazardzhik Region, including Pazardzhik, Velingrad, Peshtera, Strelcha, Panagyurishte, Septemvri, Batak, and Rakitovo, are working to contain the forest fire, assisted by forestry enterprises and local volunteers.

Ongoing Situation

Authorities continue to monitor both fire situations closely and provide updates as they become available. Motorists are advised to avoid the Trakia motorway section between Kalugerovo and Tserovo and to follow the designated detour routes.