Protest in Varna after the fire at „Fanagoria“: Demand transparency regarding the tragedy

07.02.2026 | Region

Residents of Varna protested after the fire at the historical and ethnographic complex „Fanagoria“, in which 7 horses died. The protesters insist on clarifying the causes of the fire and publicly announcing the results of the investigations.

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Residents of Varna came out to protest after the fire in the historical and ethnographic complex "Fanagoria", in which seven horses died. The incident happened on January 20th of this year. The main demand of the protesters is to clarify the causes of the fire and to make the results of all inspections public.

The event took place in front of the building of the district administration in "Asparuhovo". The organizers of the protest are calling for more transparency and information regarding the tragedy.

"These little horses were care. They were trust. They were part of the upbringing of our children. Their absence is not just pain - it is a limit. This loss will not be in vain. Life is not measured in square meters. Upbringing is not built on concrete," said the Fanagoria equestrian base.

A day after the incident, the General Directorate "Fire Safety and Population Protection" announced that the cause of the fire was a short circuit in an electrical cable for lighting. However, people continue to have suspicions of arson.

A 52-year-old man, a horse trainer who risked his life to save the animals, was injured in the fire. He received second-degree burns on his fingers, a wound on his forehead, and inhaled smoke and toxic gases. Four horses were saved in the fire, and they are housed in another equestrian base.

At the end of January, a proposal was submitted to the Varna Municipality to build a monument in memory of the seven horses who died.