IZHEVSK. May 17 (Interfax) - Open flames have been extinguished at the site of a fire near the village of Pugachyovo in Russia's internal republic of Udmurtia, the press service of the Emergency Situations Ministry's regional branch told Interfax on Thursday.
"There are now no sites with open flames. Aircraft and firefighting and rescue equipment are washing down areas that are smoldering," the spokesman said.
The administration of the Malopurga district, where Pugachyovo is located, said that rainy weather and other factors proved beneficial.
"The fire has been contained. The rain helped here a lot," it said.
According to the administration, more than 100 firefighters and 20 pieces of equipment are now present at the site. Law enforcement personnel are guarding the garrison town's premises in order to keep away potential looters.
"Entry to the territory of the garrison town is currently closed. Classes at the school and the kindergarten in the village of Pugachyovo have been suspended," it said.
Munitions started to explode on the premises of a former military unit near Pugachyovo on the afternoon of May 16. Firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading. The affected area was sealed off. There have been no fatalities or injuries. Residents were evacuated from the nearby garrison town. Local authorities told the population to stay calm.