A fire erupted in a Ufa apartment and, according to the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia, the blaze began after cats stepped into danger. The incident was initially reported on the ministry’s official Telegram channel, where observers were urged to stay clear of the area while emergency crews assessed the scene. Firefighters and rescuers acted promptly, arriving at the location with sirens cut to a minimum to avoid alarming residents who were nearby but not yet notified. Their swift response helped prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent units and reduced the risk of smoke inhalation for people in the building.
Witnesses nearby reported smelling smoke and a sudden, acrid odor drifting from a mid-landing corridor. The police were alerted by concerned neighbors who described a noticeable burning scent at the entrance. In a coordinated effort, breathing apparatus teams positioned themselves at the doorway while others began a targeted search of the apartment that showed visible smoke issuing from under the door. The door was opened with care, and investigators moved inside to locate the source of the fire and determine how it had started, ensuring that the exit routes remained unobstructed for occupants who might still be inside or attempting to evacuate.
Inside the apartment, five cats were present at the moment the emergency services entered. Firefighters observed that the appliances on the cooking surface had been left on, with plates showcasing remnants of food that suggested recent activity in the kitchen. The teams methodically cleared the room, ensured there were no flare-ups, and monitored for erratic electrical behavior that could rekindle the blaze. By maintaining a calm, orderly approach, the responders kept the situation from escalating while maintaining communication with residents and bystanders.
According to the official bulletin, the cats appeared to have contributed to the incident by disturbing the induction panel with their soft paws, inadvertently triggering the heat source in search of food. Fire crews proceeded to extinguish remaining hot spots and moved to ventilate the apartment, allowing fresh air to circulate through the space and cut down on smoke accumulation. The authorities noted that the full extent of damage would be assessed once the smoke cleared and the area was deemed safe for a more thorough inspection.
Residents in the building were evacuated as a precautionary measure, and fire investigators continued to examine the scene to determine the exact sequence of events and confirm whether any occupants were affected by smoke or required medical attention. While it remained uncertain if the owners’ pets sustained injuries, officials stressed the importance of keeping combustible items away from heat sources and ensuring that cookware is unattended only when it is completely turned off. The incident served as a reminder to all residents about kitchen safety, especially when animals are present in the home.
In a related note, earlier reports described how staff at Zhukovsky airport took in a kitten that had been abandoned by travelers there. That small act of shelter highlighted how communities can respond with compassion in moments of need, even as local authorities work to address separate emergencies and maintain public safety in busy urban environments.