Two Ka-32 helicopters were deployed to combat a tire fire that broke out in an open field in Dzerzhinsky, just outside Moscow. The firefighting effort was coordinated by the regional directorate’s press service within the Ministry of Emergencies. The helicopters, part of the Moscow Aviation Center, arrived on scene at approximately 10:20 local time, bringing critical aerial capability to a developing blaze that threatened nearby properties and the surrounding landscape. Their arrival marked a significant step in the response, as rotary-wing aircraft can deliver large volumes of extinguishing agents directly onto the fire line, helping to suppress rapid spread and reduce smoke in populated areas near the capital.
The fire in Dzerzhinsky was first noticed in the morning hours of May 12 and rapidly escalated to involve a warehouse area measuring up to 1500 square meters. According to officials from the Ministry of Emergencies, the blaze originated when a pile of eight-meter-diameter tires burned, producing intense heat and dense smoke. Once ignited, the tire stack acted as a fuel source that allowed flames to spread across the site, threatening nearby structures and posing risks to first responders working to contain the incident. Fire crews reported targeting hot spots with coordinated ground and aerial operations, while maintaining a cautious approach to prevent reignition as shifting wind conditions could fan the flames anew. The priority remained protecting nearby facilities and reducing air pollution damage from the smoke plume, with ongoing assessments of structural integrity and potential hazards from debris or chemical residues associated with tire combustion.
In the broader regional context, there were reports about landscape fires in the Kurgan region that day. Authorities described those fires as being extinguished in some areas, though a forest fire was still active in another locality. Officials emphasized that the situation did not pose an immediate threat to nearby settlements, and standard defense borders and protective measures remained in effect to prevent spread of flames to populated zones. Firefighters from multiple units cooperated, sharing tactics, equipment, and medical support protocols to ensure the safety of personnel and residents amid changing weather and visibility conditions. The response highlighted the importance of rapid interagency coordination, risk assessment, and sustained monitoring to prevent escalation of any mobile or fixed fires in the region.
On the same day, the Baza Telegram channel reported an incident involving an unverified claim that unidentified individuals set fire to a Federal Security Service (FSB) building in the Komi Republic. As with many social media reports observed during emergencies, this report required verification by official sources before any conclusions could be drawn. Authorities urged the public to rely on confirmed information from the Ministry of Emergencies or regional emergency management offices, while continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of misinformation during crises and the necessity for clear communication channels to distinguish between confirmed events and speculative posts.