Fire Rips Through Moscow

A major fire has engulfed several residential buildings in Moscow, with more than a dozen fire trucks and two helicopters deployed in a bid to contain the flames.

The fire began in a residential area close to the Aeroport metro station in the northwest of the city and spread to affect several multi-story buildings. The cause is not yet known.

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations wrote on Telegram that the blaze had spread over 4,000 square meters (more than 43,000 square feet) and that two Ka-32 helicopters were deployed as part of the firefighting effort.

The ministry said more than 175 "specialists" were dispatched to the scene supported by more than 50 pieces of equipment. The two helicopters dropped 55 tons of water on the blaze, it added. They were supported by some 20 fire trucks AFP reported.

Around 400 people were evacuated from the area as emergency crews battled the flames. The Transport Department said that the nearby metro station was closed because of the "massive fire."

Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Telegram that emergency crews "are taking all necessary measures to put out the fire," while "evacuated residents are receiving the necessary aid." He added: "All city services are in place."

Russia's state-run Tass news agency reported that the fire began on the roof of an apartment block on Chernyakhovsky Street, a major thoroughfare running through the Aeroport district, the name of which derives from the location of the city's first airport, which is no longer in operation. The fire broke out around five miles from the city center, which is home to the Kremlin and other Russian government headquarters.

The roof of the building "completely collapsed," Tass said. "The fire threatened the buildings adjacent to the house and the neighboring shopping center," the agency continued, but was "later contained and the threat was lifted. By 03:20 Moscow time, the open burning had already been extinguished."

Russia's Emergency Ministry wrote on Telegram that affected structures are now being "drained and dismantled," the fire having been "completely extinguished."

Tass said at least 10 people had been injured. It added that authorities are investigating a possible short circuit in the wiring under the roof of the apartment building as the possible cause of the fire. Other explanations, including arson, are also reportedly under investigation.

Update 2/9/24, 5:15 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include more information on the fire.