Massive fire at Balashikha chemical plant in Moscow region covers city in smoke

On the morning of August 31, a large fire broke out at a chemical plant in Balashikha, near Moscow

Local Telegram channels report the incident.

The fire initially broke out in a warehouse of the plant, but later spread to neighboring buildings. Firefighters are currently trying to extinguish two affected sites. Ground forces and a helicopter have been deployed to fight the blaze.

Local residents complain of an unbearable smell, and the black smoke is visible even in surrounding settlements.

According to Russian services, over 80 emergency workers are involved in extinguishing the fire. The flames have affected at least 4,000 square meters.

Russian social media reports indicate that controlling the fire has so far been unsuccessful due to heavy smoke and densely packed industrial buildings.