A massive brushfire is reported at Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
A massive brush fire that was burning at the Dzizdernagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum has been contained at around 11:32 p.m. on Friday, according to Armenia’s Emergency Situations Ministry.
The National Crisis Management Center was notified of the fire at 8:58 and a total of 120 firefighters were involved in the operation. Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan is at the scene, reported Public Radio of Armenia.
Yerevan City Council spokesperson Hakop Karapetyan said in a Facebook post that one the probable cause of the fire could be a large-scale fireworks display near the vicinity of the memorial complex some 30 minutes before the fire erupted.
“Fireworks at restaurants are a major problem in the city,” said Karapetyan.
Tsolakyan said the cause of the fire was being investigated but did not rule out that fireworks could have played a role in the blaze.
Firefighters will remain at the site, saying the fire might erupt again due to windy conditions.
A group of volunteers, all members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Youth Organization of Armenia rushed to the scene of the fire and offered to help the firefighters, following their instructions.