Fire engulfs local administration in Moscow region, black smoke seen over Lenin Square

According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out at around 3:30 a.m. on the upper floors of the building located on Lenin Square. Fire and rescue units promptly arrived at the scene.

Residents reported thick black smoke visible from nearby buildings and a strong smell of burning that spread throughout the area.

"In the city of Shchyolkovo, fire and rescue units extinguished a blaze in a building located at 2 Lenin Square. Three people were evacuated. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties," the press service of the regional branch of Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry reported.

The cause of the fire and the exact extent of the damage are still being determined. When rescuers arrived, the fire was actively spreading, but by 4:02 a.m. it had been contained. According to emergency services, the fire covered an area of 140 square meters.

Nineteen rescuers and six pieces of equipment were involved in extinguishing the blaze.

According to the local Emergencies Ministry, there were ten fires in the Moscow region over the past 24 hours. Fortunately, this time there were no casualties or injuries.

Russian attacks

Earlier, on the night of August 10, the Saratov region came under attack by unidentified drones. Locals reported explosions followed by a fire in the regional center near an oil refinery.

Soon after, the regional governor confirmed that a facility had been damaged, though he did not specify which one.

Yesterday, it also became known that, as part of a special operation by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, the Lukoil-Ukhta Oil Refinery was targeted. This refinery is located in Russia’s Komi Republic, almost 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine.