Unidentified individuals carried out arson at an apartment entrance in Smolensk on two separate occasions, according to the press service of EMERCOM of Russia for the Smolensk region. Local firefighters have already responded for a second time after a resident of a nine-story building on Udarnikov Street alerted authorities. The first incident occurred about a month earlier when someone set fire to the front door area. The second incident happened on February 16 around 21:00, prompting another emergency call from a resident who noticed the danger and contacted the fire department immediately.
On the latest occasion, the apartment owner was home and detected smoke in the common hallway. The fire seemed to originate at the entrance to the house, where paper was burning near the metal door. The resident did not hesitate and dialed the fire service without delay. When the third fire and rescue division arrived, the firefighters determined their further involvement was unnecessary because the fire had burned out and the owner managed to keep the door from sustaining more damage by using water poured from inside the apartment onto the threshold. The result was a thin veil of smoke lingering in the area rather than a blaze.
Authorities have identified arson as the likely cause of the incident and the police have begun to clarify the circumstances surrounding what happened, including reviewing surveillance data and interviewing residents. While this case is being investigated, officials emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly and ensuring that entryways remain secure to deter similar acts.
Earlier reports describe a separate case in the Novgorod region in which a man attempted to set a private residence on fire as revenge against a girl who had rejected a friendship. The 27-year-old local resident aimed to harm the girl by igniting the front door, underscoring how jealousy or personal grudges can escalate into dangerous actions. Citizens are reminded to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent such incidents and to protect homes and families from deliberate fire hazards.