Chemical Plant Fire in Leningrad Region, No Fatalities Reported
A massive fire broke out at a chemical plant in Gattschina, the capital of the Leningrad region, early on January 10, 2025. The blaze, which engulfed two two-story brick buildings, was initially reported to have spread across an area of 1,200 square meters, before increasing to 1,900 square meters. Preliminary information suggests that a large-scale release of acetone preceded the fire.
The fire was accompanied by loud explosions, which local residents described as explosions, consistent with the property of acetone gases, which can form highly explosive mixtures in the air. The fire shrouded the city in a red glow, with the smoke column visible from many parts of the city.
The fire was classified as a second-degree blaze, according to the Russian classification system, ranging from 1 (light) to 5 (severe).
Emergency responders, aided by nearby rail tracks, were able to bring in a firefighting team, which brought 120 tons of water and five tons of foam to the scene. The fire was eventually brought under control, with the help of over 50 specialized personnel and 12 special vehicles, initially confining the blaze to an area of 1,200 square meters.
The fire was fully extinguished by 11 a.m. Moscow time. All plant workers were able to evacuate the affected areas in a timely manner, and there were no reported fatalities or injuries. Storage tanks of acetone at the site were also safely removed.
Air samples are being taken across the city to measure the concentration of potentially hazardous substances. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with initial findings pointing to potential violations of safety guidelines, which have been previously identified at the plant, dating back to 2017.
The plant, owned by the Limpek group, is involved in the production of chemicals, including lacquers, esters, and epoxide resins, as well as the processing and disposal of hazardous materials. Video footage of the incident is circulating on Russian social media platforms, primarily on Telegram.