Yerevan, August 2, 2015 – Smoke was observed rising from Government Building No. 3 in Yerevan on Sunday, August 2, at approximately 1:14 PM. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations of Armenia reported that the fire had broken out in the accounting and registration department of the Ministry of Education and Science.
Emergency Response and Firefighting Efforts
Upon receiving the alarm, the Crisis Management National Center’s operational and rapid response teams, along with six fire brigades and one aerial ladder truck, were dispatched to the scene. The swift response aimed to contain the fire and prevent further damage to the multi-story government complex.
According to preliminary information from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations, the fire was concentrated on the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of the building. Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the flames and ensure the safety of the premises.
No Casualties Reported
Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or injuries resulting from the incident. All personnel present in the affected areas were safely evacuated, and emergency services confirmed that no one was trapped inside the building.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations stated that additional information regarding the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire would be released as the investigation progresses. The incident prompted immediate attention due to the building’s significance as a government facility housing multiple ministries and departments.
Investigation into the Cause of the Fire
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Experts will examine the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses to ascertain how the blaze started and spread. All potential factors, including electrical malfunctions or other technical issues, will be considered during the inquiry.
The Ministry of Education and Science, whose accounting and registration department was the focal point of the fire, is cooperating fully with the investigative teams. The incident temporarily disrupted the ministry’s operations, but contingency plans are expected to be activated to ensure minimal impact on public services.
Impact on Government Operations
While the immediate impact of the fire was the disruption of activities within the Ministry of Education and Science, other government departments housed in Building No. 3 were also affected by the emergency response. Security measures were heightened, and access to the building was temporarily restricted to facilitate firefighting and investigative procedures.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular inspections of public buildings to prevent such occurrences. Authorities are expected to review existing fire safety measures in government facilities across Yerevan in light of this event.
The community has expressed relief that no lives were lost, and attention now turns to the findings of the investigation, which will shed light on the circumstances leading to the fire and inform future preventive actions.
Source: https://news.am/hy/news/279773
