Riga on fire

Riga's normally clear skylinewas crowded with smoke as blazes erupted in the Riga Brasa jail and across theriver in Bolderaja.

The fire broke out in the Brasa Jail presumably started by a cigarette inthe jails smoking lounge. No inmates escaped from the prison amid the blaze,authorities said.

Inga Vetere, a representative of the State Fire and Rescue Service, said thefire was brought under control by 12.49 p.m.The fire-fighters continued to work at the scene to prevent the flames fromspreading.

About ten fire brigades had arrived to extinguish the flames.

Although a roof collapsed during the fire no casualties were reported.

The fire had spread to two buildings -- a two-floor and a three-floorbuilding. The burning structures were sealed off so that they did not pose anythreat to other buildings. The buildings damaged in the fire house a tailoringshop, a sanitary unit and living accommodations.

The fire at the jail was declared an especially dangerous accident not onlybecause it had broken out in a prison but also because the affected buildingshave slate roofing and the flames were spreading rapidly.

After the fire brigades had left, all inmates and staff of the prison were countedto make sure that everybody is safe and sound and that nobody has managed toescape.

Latvian Justice Minister Gaidis Berzins is set to ask the government toallocate funding for the renovation of the jail.The exact damage brought by thefire will be estimated in a week

Across the river in Bolderaja a 12 hectare forest fire, mostly on governmentowned landed also added to the smoky skyline. The operational station managersaid that there were a few problems in getting the blaze under control.

"There was a problem with getting water in to the area since it was fairlyremote. We worked with the Riga'sRailway to bring in water by train and then transport that water to theaffected area."

He also warned people to be more careful and aware the dry season is upon usand raging fires can start with just one spark