A fire broke out in the Irkutsk region due to a careless mistake made by a man who filled his lighter with gasoline, according to the regional department of the Ministry of Emergencies. The incident underscores how a single hazardous choice can escalate into a larger emergency that affects multiple households and neighbors.
Earlier today, a resident of Slyudyanka attempted to refill a lighter. In a moment of lapse, flammable liquid spilled onto a sofa, creating a small pool of danger on a soft surface. The man pressed on and briefly checked whether the lighter was working, unaware that the flame would soon escape control. The resulting blaze quickly spread across the sofa and began to threaten surrounding furniture and the room’s escape routes.
As the flames grew, several neighbors found themselves drawn into the danger. Fire crews were alerted to a fire affecting a three-storey building on Ambulatornaya Street, with reports pinpointing an apartment on the second floor as the origin. Five residents managed to leave the building on their own, but seven others, including four children, required assistance from emergency workers to evacuate. The regional emergency services proceeded to localize the fire and suppress it, containing the spread to prevent further damage and ensuring that all residents could leave the building safely.
The owner of the damaged apartment managed to evacuate in time and later spoke with an inspector to recount the sequence of events and the actions taken by responders. The detailed account highlighted how the initial spill and subsequent attempts to test the lighter created a surge of heat, smoke, and panic that forced rapid decision-making by residents and emergency crews alike.
In the broader aftermath, residents and authorities emphasize the importance of fire safety practices in multi-story dwellings. Fire prevention measures, including proper handling of ignition sources, safe storage of flammable liquids, and immediate reporting of unusual smells or heat, can significantly reduce the risk of similar incidents. In this case, the swift response by firefighters prevented a potentially deadly situation from worsening and allowed several residents to exit without serious injuries.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that five people sustained injuries during the event and required medical evaluation or treatment. Emergency responders ensured that all injured individuals received appropriate care and that the affected area was secured to prevent additional hazards while investigations continued to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the ignition.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a domestic accident can evolve into a neighborhood emergency. It highlights the critical role of prompt emergency calls, efficient fire suppression, and the diligence of residents in evacuating and assisting one another during a crisis. Authorities are continuing to review safety protocols and remind the public to avoid using gasoline or other highly flammable liquids for household lighting or refueling, and to keep such substances away from living spaces entirely.