Fire Forces Russian Bakery Workers to Leave

An industrial bakery housed in a building dating from 1873 burned Monday in southwestern Russia.

Flames spread through the building’s ductwork, fire officials told news media. The bakery is located in Voronezh near the junction of the Voronezh and Don rivers.

“The building is of the third degree of fire resistance, reinforced concrete floors, stone walls, so this did not contribute to the spread of the fire,” authorities told BECTN TV.

The fire began on the first floor, then moved through the ductwork to the high floors of the building, authorities said. Firefighters had to break through the roof to reach the blaze.

About 200 square meters of property was damaged by the flames. About 50 workers were forced to evacuate the building.

The building has served as a bakery since 1929.