Incident at Besarabsky Market
A fire erupted on June 10 in the basement of Kyiv's Besarabsky Market, triggered by a short circuit in the electrical wiring. Emergency services received the alert at 4:59 PM. No open flames were visible, and crews used a smoke extractor to clear the area. Thermal imaging cameras were deployed to inspect the basement thoroughly. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.
Besarabsky Market, commonly referred to as Bessarabka, is situated on Bessarabska Square in the heart of Kyiv. This covered market spans a retail area of 896 square meters and was constructed between 1910 and 1912. Funding for its construction came from sugar magnate Lazar Brodsky, with the design led by architect Henryk Gay. The project was executed by Mykhailo Bobrusov, while the sculptural decorations were crafted by students of Fedir Balavensky, including Tetiana Rudenko-Shchelkan, Oleksandr Teremets, and Petro Snytkin. The market officially opened its doors on July 3 (Julian calendar: July 16), 1912.
Other Fires on June 10
Separately, on June 10, a fire broke out in a multi-story residential building in the settlement of Kalyta, Brovary district, prompting the evacuation of 14 residents and the rescue of one individual. The flames, which ignited in a fifth-floor apartment, spread to the roof. Another incident occurred in the Fastiv district of Kyiv Oblast, where a local resident set fire to a grocery store. A 54-year-old man is suspected of starting the blaze, which completely destroyed the store but resulted in no casualties.
These events highlight ongoing fire safety concerns across various types of properties, from historic markets to residential buildings. While the fire at Besarabsky Market caused no harm, it raises questions about the condition of electrical systems in aging structures. At the same time, arson cases like the one in Fastiv underscore the need for stronger law enforcement and public safety measures. It is critical that relevant authorities take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident at Besarabsky Market is part of a worrying trend, as evidenced by another fire on the same day that led to the evacuation of 14 residents from a multi-story apartment building in the Kyiv region. The fire in Kalyta, which started in a fifth-floor unit, underscores the ongoing fire safety challenges faced by various properties in the area. For more details on this evacuation and the causes behind these fires, read about the residents evacuated from the apartment building fire.