Saratov Region Sees 50% Rise in Fire Deaths in 2026

Fire fatalities in the Saratov region have increased 1.5-fold in 2026 compared to the same period last year, with 15 deaths recorded since January 1.

Feb 1, 2026

The number of fire fatalities in the region has increased 1.5 times in 2026.
Source:
Artem Ustyuzhanin / MSK1.RU

In the Saratov region, the number of fire fatalities in 2026 has increased 1.5 times compared to the same period in 2025. Statistics for 2025–2026 were released today by the press service of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).

Last Year«s Decline

Last year, Saratov EMERCOM personnel extinguished 6,443 fires. Compared to 2024, the number decreased by 30%. The death toll in 2025 was 139 people, which is 13 fewer than in 2024. Among them, seven were children who died in fires or from their consequences. Another 131 people sustained various injuries — burns and poisoning by combustion products. In 2024, there were 5 more injured than in the past year.

902 people were evacuated from the fire hazard zone, and another 315 were rescued. Almost two-thirds of the fires (3,996) occurred in open areas. Another quarter (1,667) happened in residential buildings and outbuildings. Nearly one in twenty cases (290) involved vehicle fires, and another 366 fires were blazes in abandoned or unused buildings.

The main causes of fires were careless handling of fire (4,867 cases, or 75.5%), violation of rules for installation and operation of electrical equipment (860, or 13.3%), and stoves (258, or 4%).

50% Increase in Fatalities in 2026

From the beginning of this year until January 21 inclusive, 179 fires occurred in the Saratov region, resulting in 15 deaths. Compared to the same period last year, fire mortality has increased by 50%.

To reduce the number of fire fatalities and injuries, the head of the Saratov Region Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Major General of the Internal Service Alexey Tatarkin, gave Saratov residents several tips on how to act if they notice a fire:

Immediately call the fire department at 101 or 112, without waiting for the fire to spread;
Do not waste time gathering documents and valuables, but evacuate. Just three breaths are enough to remain in a smoke-filled place forever;
Remember to close doors behind you to block the fire source: a draft instantly accelerates the fire«s spread;
Install an autonomous fire alarm at home: it reacts to the slightest smoke with a loud sound signal.