Orthodox Icon Brought to Combat Massive Fuel Depot Fire in Russia

In Southern Russia, Orthodox priests brought the Icon of the Unburnt Bush to a large fuel depot fire, triggered by a Ukrainian drone attack, hoping to tame the flames. Despite extensive firefighting efforts, the blaze continues, causing air pollution concerns among locals.

Orthodox priests brought an icon to the scene of a massive fuel depot fire in southern Russia, ignited by a Ukrainian drone attack, in a bid to help control the flames, according to the local diocese on Wednesday. The Icon of the Unburnt Bush is revered by Russian Christians as a protector against fire.

The Proletarsk fuel depot in the Rostov region has been engulfed in flames since Sunday, despite ongoing efforts by firefighters to extinguish it. According to RIA news agency, 20 of the depot's 74 storage tanks were ablaze as of Tuesday, citing local administration chief Valery Gornich.

More than 500 firefighters were battling the inferno, Gornich informed the TASS news agency. A photo released Wednesday depicted two Orthodox priests standing beside a wooden stand holding the large icon, set against a backdrop of thick black and grey smoke rising from the depot.

"The priests spoke with the firefighters and blessed all the fire equipment," the Volgodonsk eparchy told Reuters in an email. Social media has been flooded with complaints about air pollution from the fire, though authorities insist levels of harmful substances remain within safe limits.

Regional governor Vasily Golubev reported on Monday that 41 firefighters sought medical treatment, with five in emergency care.

(With inputs from agencies.)