Minsk Apartment Fire (Smokey Bear)

The Minsk Apartment Fire occured on the 10th August 2014 at 3:00 AM and killed 21 people. In a 10 story apartment building on the 4th floor an industiral worker heading out for the morning shift turned a light on and the bulb blew causing a spark setting on fire his curtains, no sprinkler systems or fire alarms went off and the worker led his family out calling the fire brigade. The fire spread to the outside of building and the hallway quickly as in the confusion the family did not close the door or close the window. The main exit quickly became blocked by the fire. Within an hour the entire building was on fire, the fire brigade were slow to respond and when arrived made a poor attempt at rescuing individuals. Most of the alarm systems were faulty leading to a belated response and it was clear poor materials had been used in the construction.

Within 2 hours the entire building was either evacuated or the people inside were dead. 21 people died including 6 children, several people suffered injuriries from smoke inhilation and burns.