Ostankino TV Center Fire Being Investigated

The fire at the Ostankino television studios forced the evacuation of 1,200 people.

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry says it is investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at the Ostankino television center in Moscow.

The ministry's website says the July 30 blaze burned 200 square meters inside the center and forced the evacuation of 1,200 people.

The statement says 160 emergency service personnel were involved in putting out the fire.

A ministry official, Yury Deshevykh, says investigators think the fire was caused by either a wiring problem or a violation of procedures in a department where set decorations are painted.

Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS