Fire engulfs Russian prison roof after safety drill gone awry

A firefighting operation is underway at the Yekaterinburg, Russia's maximum-security penal colony. According to Russian media, approximately 1,500 prisoners are housed in the facility. Additional fire brigade units and the Ministry of Emergency Situations are arriving.

Gazeta.ru reports that the fire has spread to about 400 square metres, and "the convicts have been moved to a safe block." RIA Novosti reports that one of the buildings' roofs are on fire.

The IK-10 penal colony in Yekaterinburg is 67 years old. It includes a production facility for windows, upholstered and office furniture, a stonework shop, a sewing room, and a carpentry shop.

The Federal Penitentiary Service reports no casualties. The Shot channel claims that the fire broke out immediately after joint fire-tactical exercises by the Federal Penitentiary Service and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.