A massive warehouse fire in Nekrasovsky village, located in the Moscow region, which spanned an area of 15,000 square meters and primarily stored household chemicals and furniture, has been largely brought under control. The structure suffered significant collapse during the blaze.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reported that the fire at the warehouse in Nekrasovsky village has been contained to an area of 12,000 square meters.
The incident led to the suspension of the Russian Dressage Championship, which was scheduled to take place today at the nearby `Maxima Park` equestrian club. All personnel were evacuated, and horses were safely moved away from the smoke. According to TASS, the animals` lives are not in danger, thanks to the club`s extensive grounds that facilitated their relocation from the affected area.
TASS further reiterated that the total area engulfed by the fire reached 15,000 square meters, causing the warehouse, predominantly filled with household chemicals and furniture, to almost entirely collapse.
Eyewitnesses working in the vicinity described the rapid spread of the fire. They reported a massive plume of black smoke visible even from Moscow, and a temporary closure of a railway crossing. Warehouses were observed burning, with one or two already completely destroyed, and the sound of approaching fire sirens was constant. Horses from the adjacent equestrian club were evacuated due to the smoke, leading to the immediate halt of ongoing competitions. Witnesses described the fire as extremely large, reportedly originating from a pharmacy warehouse and quickly escalating. The outdoor air quality was deemed unbearable due to the smoke.
“Horses are being evacuated from there now, just to prevent them from inhaling the smoke, because it`s right next door, the neighboring building. Otherwise, it`s calm for now, and they say the railway crossing is currently blocked here; a large column of black smoke is visible. News reports indicate it`s visible even from Moscow. Our territory here is extensive, so we are quite far.”
Reporter: What`s burning?
“They say warehouses are burning. They claim one or two warehouses have already completely burned down. We can hear the sirens, firefighters are on their way.”
Reporter: So, horses are being moved out?
“As soon as they spotted the smoke, everyone immediately rushed to lead the horses out, and naturally, the competitions ceased.”
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Reporter: Is it a big fire?
“Very, very big. Warehouses are on fire there; several warehouses caught fire, starting from a pharmacy warehouse.”
Reporter: Did it spread?
“Yes, it`s burning everywhere.”
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Reporter: There`s an equestrian club nearby, is it being evacuated?
“Yes, the horses are being led out. It`s impossible to be outside.”
Reporter: Could you tell me if there`s a lot of firefighting equipment present?
“Yes. And I saw ambulances.”
Reporter: Are roads being blocked?
“No, nothing is blocked.”
Reporter: Because there`s also a kindergarten just across the road.
“That`s all quite a distance away. There`s a cemetery nearby, equestrian sports facilities, and that`s it.”
Reporter: Was this warehouse generally well-regarded?
“Yes, absolutely.”
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A participant of the championship commented: “The competitions there were suspended. The Russian Championship for juniors is currently underway, and we are preparing to continue. These things happen sometimes. Competitions are even stopped in rain or snow.”
To combat the fire, more than 70 specialists and 23 units of equipment were mobilized. The suspended championship involved over 200 participants.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth