The emergency response agencies reported that a large fire at the Ozone depot in the Moscow region was detected after a prolonged assessment period, with investigators describing the incident as serious and requiring an all-hands effort. Officials from the regional fire service noted that initial assessments took several hours, and only after a full sweep could responders confirm the scale of the blaze. The news agency TASS later confirmed the update from the authorities, clarifying the timeline and scope of the response.
By 21:17 local time, officials stated that the fire had spread across an area measured at 55,000 square meters. The regional press service for the Ministry of Emergency Situations issued a formal update describing the extent of the blaze and the efforts underway to contain it, emphasizing that emergency crews were actively engaged along the perimeter and within the facility grounds.
Earlier statements from the Main Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee for the Moscow Region indicated the fire at the Ozone depot in Istra, near Moscow, involved concerns about safety compliance. Officers noted that the incident was being treated with heightened scrutiny as investigators evaluate potential safety violations and the adequacy of protective measures in place at the site.
Alexander Bastrykin, chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, directed the initiation of a criminal case related to the fire at the Ozone depot in the Moscow region. The move reflects the authorities’ commitment to a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident and to pursuing accountability where warranted.
In the days following the event, officials reported casualties linked to the fire. Information from emergency responders indicated that several victims sustained burns affecting major limbs and the airways, underscoring the serious health risks faced by rescue personnel and workers nearby. The incident prompted a broader review of safety protocols and response readiness across similar facilities within the region.
Additionally, authorities confirmed there was a separate flare-up within a warehouse in Istra, near Moscow, expanding the scope of the emergency response. The latest assessments indicated a further expansion of the affected zone, with some estimates placing the affected area near fifty thousand square meters and prompting the deployment of additional aerial support to help contain the flames. A third helicopter was prepared to assist in extinguishing efforts, reflecting the scale of the operation and the commitment to rapid containment.
As investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events and examine potential contributing factors, regional officials stressed the importance of adherence to safety standards and robust emergency planning. The ongoing investigation is expected to yield findings that will guide future safety improvements and regulatory measures for storage facilities handling hazardous materials. Meanwhile, emergency responders remain focused on securing the site, protecting workers and residents, and preventing further escalation of the fire’s impact.