Pskov’s firefighting teams have kept up their work at the city’s airport, continuing to manage the aftermath of the incident that involved an Il-76 transport aircraft. This update comes from the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Pskov region, which has been monitoring the response and ensuring the situation remains under control.
According to the ministry, the event occurred on August 29 at 23.28 Moscow time. A report arrived confirming that the military transport aircraft stationed at Pskov airport had been subjected to fire. In total, 65 firefighters participated in the operation to extinguish the blaze, and 21 pieces of equipment were deployed to assist in a rapid response and securing the surrounding area. The coordinated effort involved initial responders on the ground who worked alongside subsequent teams to strengthen containment and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent facilities or equipment.
Earlier statements noted that the fire, which began at the airport following a drone-related incident, had come under control and there was no immediate danger of expansion. A representative of the emergency service explained that forces and vehicles were dispatched to the scene shortly after the first firefighters and rescue teams arrived, enabling a steady suppression of the flames. Ongoing efforts remained focused on cooling hotspots, preventing rekindling, and ensuring that all structural elements and aircraft components were stabilized while operations continued. Local authorities emphasized that sufficient resources and tools were on hand to sustain the firefighting effort as needed, highlighting the readiness of the incident response teams to respond to any developing concerns.
Earlier updates from regional leadership indicated that the governor of the Pskov region, Mikhail Vedernikov, confirmed there were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the UAV attack on Pskov airport. The emphasis from officials at that stage was on the safety of personnel, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and the continuity of operational capability at the airport while investigators and emergency teams conducted a thorough assessment of the site.
It has been noted in subsequent reporting that such aerial incursions appear to be part of a broader pattern affecting Russian aviation systems. While authorities have not provided an exhaustive causal analysis at this moment, there is growing attention to how unmanned aircraft activity is influencing the security and maintenance protocols around airfields. Firefighting teams have remained vigilant, applying established procedures to monitor for residual hazards and to secure the perimeter against any further threats. The situation illustrates the complex challenge faced by emergency services when multiple threats intersect at a critical transportation hub, demanding rapid coordination, precise communication, and scalable resource management.
In the days following the incident, officials continued to reaffirm the importance of timely communications with aviation authorities, military units stationed nearby, and regional governance offices. The aim is to maintain continuity of flight operations where possible, minimize disruptions to air traffic, and ensure that emergency crews can perform their duties without impediment. Community assurance efforts were also emphasized, with regular briefings intended to keep residents informed about safety measures, the status of firefighting activity, and any recommendations for travelers or workers at the airport. All parties involved stress the priority of safety, rapid containment, and the protection of essential infrastructure in the wake of such disruptive events. Attribution for the evolving situation remains with the regional emergency management leadership and their coordinated teams on the ground, who continue to monitor developments and adjust response measures as needed.