MOSCOW, August 9 (Itar-Tass) — A major fire in Moscow’s southeast has been put out, nobody was injured, the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations reports. Hot work and arson are considered as possible reasons behind the fire.
Investigators continue working at the site. The fire at the building, situated on the premises of the Tsvetmash enterprise, was put out at 2:36 am, Moscow time, on Tuesday.
Earlier, Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Alexander Chupriyan told reporters that it was built in 1937. Work to repair the roof began there late on Monday. “We can suppose that the fire began because of hot work on the roof, but the exact reason will be established during the investigation,” he said.
This fire has become one of the biggest in Moscow this year. Initially it engulfed the area of 250 square meters, but one hour later it spread to already 4,000 square meters. A pillar of smoke could be seen within the radius of several kilometres.
Forty-six fire brigades and four helicopters were used to put out the fire. Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Sergei Shoigu visited the site to control firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, specialists from law enforcement agencies believe it could be arson. Two independent hot spots were found when the fire was being put out, which indicates it could have been arson, a law enforcement officer told Tass.
It is not yet known what was in the building. According to Chupriyan, it could be production premises or a depot.