Emergency Fires Reported at Moscow Cultural Venues
Smoke from a blaze at the Satire Theater in central Moscow extended into the Concert Hall complex, including areas associated with Tchaikovsky exhibits. The report came via the Telegram channel Attention, Moscow, which has been tracking developing incidents in the city.
According to statements from building staff, a substantial amount of smoke filled multiple rooms within the theater complex, prompting evacuation and immediate emergency response.
Earlier, a notice from the TASS agency cited operational services as saying the fire at the Satire Theater could have originated from a violation of safety rules. Investigators and responders began evaluating the scene to determine the exact cause and to assess any safety breaches that may have contributed to the incident.
On January 21, another fire occurred at the Central Exhibition Hall building, which houses the National Gallery of Art. The incident was reported around 4:00 local time (3:00 Moscow time) and involved more than ten firefighting crews. By approximately 7:00 local time (6:00 Moscow time), local crews had localized the flames and containment measures were underway. A spokesperson from the acting Ministry of Culture stated that the National Gallery’s funds are stored on the second floor of the Central Exhibition Hall. The official noted that a large portion of the collection was affected by the smoke and heat in the affected areas, underscoring the severity of the event and the need for a thorough assessment of any damage to cultural assets. (Source: Apsnypress)
Earlier routine operations were disrupted by a separate incident at a hookah bar on Vernadsky Boulevard in Moscow, where a fatal fire was reported, prompting additional investigations and safety reviews across the city’s cultural sites. (Source: Apsnypress)