Huge Fire Breaks Out at Russian Defense-Linked Institute Near Kremlin

A large fire has engulfed the Lebedev Institute of Precision Mechanics and Computer Engineering in Moscow, just six miles from the Kremlin, with explosions reported as the blaze spread across 1,500 square meter-facility.

The fire began on February 19 at the institute’s building on Varshavskoe Highway. Local reports indicate that loud bangs were heard, likely from helium cylinders exploding inside the facility. The roof of the building has collapsed, and authorities deployed a Ka-32 helicopter to assist in firefighting efforts.

Video footage from the scene shows large flames and thick black smoke rising near a busy dual carriageway. No casualties have been reported, and firefighters are working to contain the blaze.

The Lebedev Institute, a research center under Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, has historical ties to Soviet-era computing and currently focuses on defense-related computer systems, digital telecommunications, and navigational technologies. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

This incident follows other recent fires in Moscow, including a warehouse blaze last month and an unauthorized hostel fire in January that led to mass evacuations.