Moscow townhouse fire: over 400 evacuated in one of capital's largest blazes in months

The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations reported that the rooftop of a six-story building was ablaze. The fire erupted after 10 PM Greenwich Mean Time.

Over 130 firefighters and 41 pieces of equipment are being utilized to extinguish the fire, whilst 2 Ka-32 helicopters from the Moscow Aviation Centre have been dispatched, according to the statement.

The ministry stated that the firefighting mission was still underway an hour into the operation. "The air force is operating. Helicopters have so far dispatched approximately 15,000 liters of water. Evacuated residents are temporarily residing in a shopping complex and three buses. Psychologists are on-site offering support."

There was concern that the fire might extend to neighbouring buildings.

After two hours, the ministry indicated that additional firefighting teams were being dispatched. "Two helicopters from the Moscow Aviation Center have already dropped approximately 50,000 liters of water. Presently, 175 specialists and over 50 equipment units are on-site", the report states.

Following more than four hours, the raging fire was successfully extinguished. Consequently, over 400 people were evacuated from the building.

Russian media outlets are presenting it as one of the largest fires in Russia's capital in recent months. The cause of the fire remains a mystery at this juncture.