A fire incident occurred on the second floor of a building in the Perm region, traced to an emergency operation involving an electric light fixture. The event was reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which documented the early stages of the response and the actions taken to safeguard occupants.
In total, 261 people managed to evacuate using their own means and without formal assistance. This rapid self-evacuation helped reduce potential injuries while responders were still en route to the scene.
Before the first fire brigade arrived, Yuri Potapchuk, an off-duty employee of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, acted swiftly to help others escape. He successfully rescued 15 individuals. His wife, who also works at the same agency, alerted him to the unfolding danger, prompting a coordinated effort to prioritize those with the greatest needs. Within minutes, Yuri and his 14-year-old son Dmitry joined the effort to evacuate guests with limited mobility, providing crucial support as smoke thickened through corridors.
“There was no time to waste. My son and I began moving bedridden guests to safer areas as quickly as possible. Every second mattered,” Yuri recalled, underscoring the urgency of the moment and the teamwork that unfolded under pressure.
Smoke protection officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry arrived on the scene and proceeded to rescue a woman from the second floor. Their intervention helped ensure she could leave the building with minimal risk, contributing to the overall safety outcome of the operation.
The area affected by the fire measured about 25 square meters, a modest footprint that nonetheless demanded a coordinated response. A total of 26 firefighters and 9 pieces of equipment engaged in extinguishing the flames, coordinating water lines and ventilation as the structure was assessed for stability and potential hot spots.
Separately, an incident in the Moscow region occurred in July at a convenience store, where a dispute with a salesperson led to a severe burn injury after the individual left the store. Law enforcement is actively investigating to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event and any contributing factors.
Earlier reports from the duty room mentioned another incident involving two young girls, which was addressed by responders as part of ongoing emergency coverage. The details of that event are under review as authorities compile the timeline and responses involved.
Across these events, the rapid mobilization of emergency services and the willingness of bystanders to assist played a significant role in mitigating harm. Fire safety specialists emphasize the importance of clear evacuation routes, functional alarm systems, and ready access to emergency exits. In regions where emergencies occur with little warning, community awareness and quick action can markedly influence outcomes for vulnerable individuals and the broader building population.