Moscow TV tower fire extinguished

A fire broke out today high up in the Ostankino television tower, Europe’s tallest free-standing structure, but was extinguished within an hour, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations said.

No casualties were reported in today’s incident. A fire in the tower in August 2000 killed three people and left the Russian capital without television broadcasts for several days. No broadcasts were interrupted today.

The 1,771ft tower in northern Moscow is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Its restaurant and observation deck were popular tourist sites, but were not reopened after the 2000 fire.

Emergency ministry spokeswoman Natalia Lukash said the incident began when sparks from welding work fell into insulation.

The fire broke out 1,120 feet above ground.