Russian Firefighters Extinguish Blaze At TV Center

11 April 2005 -- Emergency Situations Ministry said this evening that the fire that broke out at the Ostankino TV center outside Moscow has been extinguished.

The ministry said all the employees at the broadcasting center were evacuated safely.

The fire started earlier today in a tunnel housing electrical cables between the second and third floors of the TV broadcasting tower.

Shortly after the blaze was brought under control President Vladimir Putin stopped at scene. Putin had just returned from Germany and was coming from the airport.

Putin reportedly questioned firefighters briefly. "Having heard the report of the firemen, the president left the scene of the incident," ITAR-TASS reported.