A devastating fire broke out at the historic residence of the late Bulgarian actor Hindo Kasimov on Rilska Street in Burgas. The incident, caused by a malfunctioning hairdryer, occurred on December 7, 2025. This date holds importance as it marks the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after the iconic structure was ravaged by flames.
Hindo Kasimov’s daughter, Maria Kasimova-Moase, who once ran for Vice President of Bulgaria in 2021, shared the heartbreaking news. The fire erupted after her husband, Stéphane Moise—a renowned french writer, journalist, and artist—used a hairdryer to expedite the drying process of a painting intended for an upcoming exhibition.The exhibition had recently drawn admirers to a prominent gallery in the capital city.
While Stéphane was out on an evening stroll with their three pets, the hairdryer allegedly short-circuited, igniting the blaze. Upon returning, he found the apartment engulfed in flames. Despite his brave attempts to extinguish the fire, the overwhelming smoke and intense heat made it impossible to salvage much.
“Stefan only managed to save my childhood toy—Vasil the bear,” Maria expressed with gratitude. The swift response of firefighters,neighbors,and friends helped mitigate the situation,but the emotional toll of the event remains profound.
For Maria, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. “That’s why it’s vital to take care of each other and help each other. It’s also critically important to take care of ourselves—Steph got away with a slightly burnt lip,sore throat,and fright,but the most important thing for me is that he’s alive,” she emphasized. She concluded with heartfelt gratitude, adding, “And again, sincerely thank the universe from the bottom of my heart!”
What unexpected event in your life has taught you the moast about resilience, and how did you find the strength to move forward?
Table of Contents
- 1. What unexpected event in your life has taught you the moast about resilience, and how did you find the strength to move forward?
- 2. Exclusive Interview: Maria Kasimova-Moase Reflects on the Devastating Fire at Her Father’s Historic Burgas Residence
- 3. The Night of the Fire
- 4. The Emotional Toll
- 5. Lessons from the Tragedy
- 6. A Message of Resilience
- 7. A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers
Exclusive Interview: Maria Kasimova-Moase Reflects on the Devastating Fire at Her Father’s Historic Burgas Residence
Maria Kasimova-Moase, daughter of the late Bulgarian actor Hindo Kasimov and former Vice Presidential candidate, opens up about the tragic fire that engulfed her family’s historic home in Burgas on December 7, 2025. The incident, caused by a malfunctioning hairdryer, has left her family reeling but grateful for life’s blessings. Here’s our heartfelt conversation with Maria about the event, its emotional aftermath, and her message of resilience.
The Night of the Fire
Q: Maria, can you take us back to the night of December 7, 2025? What happened?
Maria: It was a night we’ll never forget. My husband, Stéphane, had been working on a painting for an upcoming exhibition in Sofia.He used a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, something he’d done before without issue. That evening, he took our three pets for a walk while the painting dried. When he returned, the apartment was filled with flames. The hairdryer had short-circuited, and the fire spread quickly. Despite his efforts to fight it, the smoke and heat were too intense.
The Emotional Toll
Q: What was going through your mind when you first heard the news?
Maria: I was devastated.This wasn’t just a home; it was my father’s legacy. Hindo Kasimov’s presence was in every corner of that house. But more than that, I was terrified for Stéphane. Thankfully, he only suffered minor burns, but the emotional shock has been profound.We’ve lost so much—family heirlooms, artworks, and memories. Yet, we’re incredibly grateful that he’s alive and that our pets were safe outside during the fire.
Lessons from the Tragedy
Q: This incident occurred on the same day as the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after its own devastating fire. Does that hold any significance for you?
Maria: It’s a poignant coincidence. both events remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of preserving beauty and history. For me, it’s a call to cherish what we have and to support one another in times of crisis. That’s why I’m so thankful for the firefighters,neighbors,and friends who rallied around us. Thier kindness has been a beacon of hope.
A Message of Resilience
Q: What would you like your readers to take away from this experience?
Maria: Life is unpredictable, and tragedy can strike at any moment. That’s why it’s vital to take care of each other and ourselves. Stéphane’s minor injuries could have been much worse, but he’s here, and that’s what matters most. I’ve learned to be grateful for the little things—like the fact that he managed to save my childhood toy, Vasil the bear. It’s a small reminder of the enduring power of love and connection.
A Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers
Q: Maria,if you could ask our readers one question about how they’ve coped with unexpected challenges in their own lives,what would it be?
Maria: I’d ask,“What unexpected event in your life has taught you the most about resilience,and how did you find the strength to move forward?” share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how others have turned adversity into growth.
Thank you,Maria,for sharing your story with such openness and grace. Your resilience is an inspiration to us all.