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Firefighters and robots tackle massive blaze at Warsaw shopping center

Firefighters and robots tackle massive blaze at Warsaw shopping center Photo: a shopping center is on fire in Warsaw on May 12 (twitter.com/KGPSP)

Since Sunday night, May 12, a shopping center has been on fire in Warsaw. It's being extinguished by 150 rescuers, over 50 pieces of equipment, and even a robot, according to RMF FM.

The fire engulfed the Marywilska 44 shopping center in Warsaw. Several dozen brigades, including the Chemical and Environmental Rescue Group, are conducting rescue operations.

As the publication notes, the fire has affected the entire shopping complex.

"Since early morning, new fire brigades have arrived at the scene. This is a very complex operation because the hall measures 250x250 meters," said the senior officer of the press service of the Municipal headquarters of the State Fire Service in Warsaw.

Firefighters and robots tackle massive blaze at Warsaw shopping center

Photo from the scene of the fire in the Warsaw shopping center (twitter.com/KGPSP)

Firefighters and robots tackle massive blaze at Warsaw shopping center

Photo from the scene of the fire in the Warsaw shopping center (twitter.com/KGPSP)

Firefighters and robots tackle massive blaze at Warsaw shopping center

Photo from the scene of the fire in the Warsaw shopping center (twitter.com/KGPSP)

According to the National headquarters of the State Fire Service, the fire is being brought under control by 150 rescuers, 58 pieces of equipment, and a robot.

According to firefighters, the fire likely broke out in several places. Information about the fire reached firefighters around 3:30. The fire spread rapidly, partially collapsing the roof of the complex. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Harmful smoke

Photographs from the scene show flames and billows of thick smoke.

Photo from the scene of the fire in the Warsaw shopping center (rmf24.pl)

Also, on social media, there were calls for residents of Warsaw and the surrounding areas to close their windows.

"As for the smoke hanging over the city, it's evidently harmful. A specialized chemical rescue group is working on-site, monitoring the atmosphere near the fire. Instruments show no elevated concentrations. Currently, there's no need to evacuate residents from adjacent buildings. Of course, this smoke is toxic and harmful. We recommend closing doors and staying indoors," noted the city's headquarters of the State Fire Service in Warsaw.

Earlier, in 2019, a 130-meter skyscraper caught fire in Warsaw. The skyscraper was under construction and was planned to be completed in 2020. At that time, the fire was contained by 130 firefighters.

Additionally, in 2018, a fire broke out in a wooden house in one of Warsaw's industrial zones, resulting in the death of six people.