Fire engulfs historic 18th-century mansion in Russia

A fire broke out Thursday at a historic 18th-century mansion on St. Isaac’s Square in St. Petersburg, with flames engulfing all floors of the four-story building, according to the Russian Emergencies Ministry.

"An open fire is burning in a four-story building," it said in a statement.

The fire spread across more than 2,000 square meters (21,537 feet), with authorities raising the severity to the third rank of difficulty.

The firefighting operation involves 125 personnel and 25 pieces of equipment, said the ministry.

The fire could pose a threat to neighboring buildings, according to emergency services. No casualties have been reported.

The Admiralteysky District prosecutor’s office is overseeing efforts to establish the circumstances and cause of the fire, which will be determined following a fire-technical examination.

The mansion and adjoining Miller apartment building are listed as cultural heritage sites. Their facades, designed in an eclectic style with elements of the Italian Renaissance, have retained the appearance created during a reconstruction in 1879.

The mansion has retained its residential function.​​​​​​​