Flax plant in Arekhausk set on fire after Lukashenka's visit?

A fire at the flax plant in Arekhausk was caused either by careless smoking or by arson.

Charter97.org learnt it from the press service of the Emergency Ministry.

A fire report was received at about 9:20 on September 25. Upon arriving firefighters saw section 1 of shed 1 in blaze. Ten fire vehicles, 57 firefighters, 15 members of the plant's volunteer fire brigade and 5 additional vehicles were involved. The fire was contained at 10:10. It destroyed 50 tonnes of retted straw; 720 tonnes were saved.

Fire development was caused by late reporting, firefighters say. Investigators are working at the scene. Two versions – careless smoking and arson – are being considered.

On September 20, Aliaksandr Lukashenka visited the plant and criticised the flax industry noting its losses and poor results of the work to develop the industry.