NewsFuel base ablaze in Russia after Ukrainian drone assault

Fuel base ablaze in Russia after Ukrainian drone assault

A fire at a fuel base in Russia. Hundreds of firefighters have been battling the flames since Sunday.
A fire at a fuel base in Russia. Hundreds of firefighters have been battling the flames since Sunday.
Images source: © planet labs

7:54 AM EDT, August 20, 2024

Another day, a fuel base burning in southwestern Russia, in the Rostov region, is seen in the town of Proletarsk. The attack occurred on Sunday due to Ukrainian drones. The area engulfed in flames spans approximately 108,000 square feet.

Local media report that in a video recording captured by residents of the area on Tuesday morning, open flames are not visible. Nevertheless, thick, black smoke still rises over the fuel base area - such information was relayed by Radio Svoboda.

A representative of the local authorities reassured residents of nearby areas that they are not in any danger. He assured that the smoke emanating from the burning base is being directed away from residential buildings.

Based on satellite images, it can be determined that the smoke has spread over an area nearly 16 miles long. There are no plans to evacuate the population. An emergency situation has been declared in Proletarsk County.

Over 500 people are battling the fire still raging at the base. According to information from Monday evening, 41 firefighters have been injured in the firefighting operation.

Fuel base fire in Russia. Ukraine attacked with drones

The fire at the fuel base in the Rostov region broke out on Sunday morning, following a drone attack. Radio Svoboda reports that on Monday, there was an attempt to attack the facility again using drones, but the air defense managed to neutralize them.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informed that the Ukrainian military intelligence HUR is behind the attacks, working jointly with the army.

Radio Svoboda points out that this is the second attack on such a facility in the Proletarsk region in recent months. In mid-May, local authorities reported that the fuel base was attacked using two drones.

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