A fire in a Moscow apartment north of the city damaged a Christmas tree when a short circuit in the garland sparked flames. The blaze quickly enveloped about 10 square meters, filling the living space with dense smoke that threatened every member of the family. Two adults and two children were exposed to harmful fumes as the fire tore through the room, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews. The scene underscored how a holiday decoration can turn dangerous in moments, especially when electrical components fail or are not properly maintained. (citation: Shot telegram channel)
Two children, a seven-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, were transported by ambulance to Filatov hospital and are receiving medical care. The adults opted not to be admitted. Firefighters and medical teams acted quickly to stabilize the youngsters and assess the extent of smoke inhalation, with hospital staff monitoring for any delayed complications related to exposure. The incident serves as a reminder to check holiday lighting, unplug garlands when not in use, and ensure safe clearance around flammable materials.
Earlier, in St. Petersburg, a major fire broke out in the residential complex named Clear Sky on Plesetskaya Street. Initial estimates indicate the blaze affected about ten square meters of space, and reports from witnesses indicated that flames slowly climbed toward the upper floor. Fire crews arrived promptly to contain the fire, prevent spread to adjacent units, and search for any occupants who might have needed assistance. At this time, no casualties have been reported and there is no information on injuries beyond those observed at the scene.
Separately, in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the hydrometallurgical plant Udokan experienced a fire emergency. The incident highlighted ongoing safety challenges within industrial facilities operating in remote regions, where response times can be impacted by terrain and logistical factors. Investigators and emergency responders will likely review safety protocols, including maintenance schedules and electrical system checks, to determine the cause and prevent a recurrence.