Riga castle blaze caused by cigarette spark, say experts

The Riga Castle blaze earlier this year was caused by a cigarette spark or other open fire source, experts have said.

It's estimated the blaze, which charred over 3,000 square meters of the historic castle, will cost 6 million euros in damage costs, State property management company Valsts Nekustamie Ipasumi says.

Following inspections, they have called on the SBRE company who were carrying out construction work at the time of the blaze to pay the costs. However,an SBRE statements has dismissed the claims as speculation whilst they believe the former company should also take some responsibility.

Estonian company H-ekspertiis have explained that the fire broke out in the attic of Riga Castle.

The fact that an empty fire extinguisher was found in this area of the castle, could indicates that the blaze occurred because another fire was not properly put out, adds H-ekspertiis.