A large-scale fire at an oil depot in the Caucasus region of Russia continues to be a critical incident as of March 23, 2025, following a drone attack that occurred on March 19, 2025. The blaze, which initially led to a release of oil products and explosions on March 21, has seen extensive efforts from fire services that have been ongoing for several days. As of now, the fire has been partially localized, and authorities are taking significant steps to mitigate the situation and protect the surrounding areas.
The fire broke out at the 'Kavkazskaya' oil depot, operated by Naftatrans, after three drones attacked the facility, crucial for the transportation of oil from rail to pipeline systems. Initial reports indicated that the fire covered an area of about 20 square meters, but the situation escalated rapidly due to a leak from one of the tanks.
By the morning of March 21, the fire had spread dramatically to an area of 10,000 square meters due to an explosion caused by the overheating of a burning tank. Unfortunately, two firefighters sustained injuries during this incident and were subsequently hospitalized. As the fire continued to rage, a total of 473 fire personnel and 189 pieces of equipment, including four fire trains, were deployed to combat the blaze.
Despite the massive response, the fire remains a threat to both human safety and environmental conditions in the area. Reports highlight that residents near the affected vicinity have been urged to stay indoors and maintain caution due to heightened benzene levels detected in the air. Rosportebnadzor (the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare) has been monitoring air quality and advising locals to refrain from outdoor activities whenever possible.
The situation took a turn again on the night of March 22 to March 23 when another release of oil products occurred, but thankfully, there were no further casualties reported. The rapid response by firefighters has allowed for some control of the fire, which now has a total affected area of around 2,000 square meters.
Local authorities continue to engage emergency teams from various regions, with resources coming from the Rostov region, Adygea, and Stavropol. The ongoing firefighting operation underscores a significant collaboration among different emergency service divisions to combat the persistent fire while also ensuring public safety from smoke inhalation and possible environmental hazards.
In addition to addressing the immediate fire, the operational staff has emphasized the importance of cooling adjacent tanks to prevent further incidents. The oil depot serves a vital role in Russia’s oil infrastructure, specifically regarding exports facilitated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which transports oil from the region to significant terminals and refineries.
As authorities work to contain the fire, assessment teams are evaluating the environmental ramifications of the incident. The general public’s health remains a top priority, especially as atmospheric monitoring indicated that benzene levels in Kropotkin exceeded normal safety thresholds. Citizens in nearby communities have been recommended to take precautionary measures including the use of masks when venturing outdoors and minimizing the time spent outside.
Overall, the firefighting efforts continue to be a priority in the face of this significant emergency, highlighting the impact of drone warfare on critical infrastructure and the urgent need for safety measures for affected populations. While the situation is being managed, officials remain vigilant, prepared for any further developments as they strive to completely extinguish the flames and rectify the aftermath of this severe incident.
