Fire damages historic building in downtown Minsk, residents relocated

June 29, Pozirk. A major fire was reported in a historic house in downtown Minsk on Sunday evening, prompting a massive firefighting operation and the relocation of its residents. 

The fire reportedly broke out in the attic of a six-floor building on Lenin Street and burned for about eight hours.

The area affected by the fire was initially estimated at 400 square meters before expanding to more than 1,000 square meters.

According to the emergency management ministry and the city government, 13 fire engines and 53 firefighters were deployed at first, later reinforced by 14 more vehicles and around 70 personnel. The ministry’s special unit Zubr also took part in the operation.

Three people were reportedly rescued and five evacuated, with no fatalities reported.

The damaged building is an example of 1950s Stalinist architecture.