A major fire erupted on Sunday, August 31, at an industrial site in Balashikha, Moscow region. Thick black smoke covered the area, and residents reported a strong smell of burning.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM), the blaze began in warehouse facilities storing automotive chemicals in an industrial zone. The fire spread across approximately 4,000 square meters and later reached adjacent buildings.
🔥 A major fire erupted on Sunday, August 31, at an industrial site in Moscow region.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) August 31, 2025
Reportedly, the affected warehouses belong to the Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant and the TDK company, which distributes household chemicals. pic.twitter.com/Zo3yygw0YS
Local media, citing eyewitnesses, reported that explosions were heard at the site. Telegram channels suggested that gas cylinders and fuel materials might have been stored in the warehouses.
The affected facilities include storage premises belonging to the Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant (BOHZ), a manufacturer of plastic products, as well as the company TDK, which sells household chemicals.
🔥🔥A chemical plant is raging powerfully near Moscow
— Gianl1974 (@Gianl1974) August 31, 2025
A fire broke out at the chemical plant warehouse in Balashikha. The fire has already spread to neighboring buildings.
Plumes of black smoke are rising over the city, Russians are complaining about the smell of burning. pic.twitter.com/yDOHmbPMGm
More than 80 EMERCOM personnel and 30 units of equipment, including Mi-8 and Ka-32 helicopters, were deployed to contain the fire. Despite aerial firefighting efforts, emergency services noted that heavy smoke and high warehouse density complicated the operation.
Earlier, drones reportedly struck an underground explosives depot at the Aleksin Chemical Plant in Russia’s Tula region, about 320 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. The facility, sanctioned by the US, EU, and Ukraine for supplying Russia’s defense industry, stored large amounts of pyroxyline gunpowder.
Local residents reported powerful explosions and a major fire, while Russian officials acknowledged drone debris fell on the site despite claimed air defense interceptions.
