Chemical plant blazes in Moscow region, producing thick black smoke
Photo: A chemical plant warehouse caught fire in the Moscow region (Getty Images)
A major fire broke out at a chemical plant in Balashikha, Moscow region. Thick black smoke is rising over the city, and locals are reporting a strong smell of burning, according to local Telegram channels.
On the morning of August 31, residents of Balashikha shared on social media about the large fire, which started at a chemical plant warehouse.
The flames later spread to nearby buildings, and firefighters are now tackling two separate sites. A helicopter has been deployed to help extinguish the fire.
Residents of Balashikha are complaining about the smell of burning. Thick black smoke is blanketing the city. Social media users report that the dark column of smoke can be seen from nearby towns.
More than 80 Russian emergency workers are fighting the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the flames have engulfed 4,000 square meters.
"However, authorities have not been able to control the fire yet — heavy smoke and high occupancy of the premises are complicating efforts," Russian social media pages report.
Earlier, in the night of August 28, the Kuibyshev oil refinery in Samara caught fire. That night, the Defense Forces reportedly attacked both the Kuibyshev refinery and the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai.
In addition, on the night of August 30, two Russian refineries — in Krasnodar and Syzran — were hit by drone attacks. Strikes were reported, along with explosions and fires.
