Large fire at historic Miller mansion on St. Isaac's Square, St. Petersburg

A major fire broke out on Thursday 1 October at the historic Miller mansion in central St. Petersburg, near St. Isaac's Cathedral, according to Fontanka as relayed by Meduza. 1 The Russian Emergencies Ministry said an open fire was burning in the four-story building, with flames engulfing all floors, according to Anadolu Agency. 2 The fire spread across more than 2,000 square meters, and authorities raised its severity to the third rank of difficulty; Meduza, citing Fontanka, described it as a second-alarm fire. 1 2

The ministry said 125 personnel and 25 pieces of equipment were involved in the firefighting, and that the fire could threaten neighbouring buildings. 2 Both outlets report that no casualties have been reported. 1 2 The Admiralteysky District prosecutor's office is overseeing efforts to establish the circumstances and cause, which will be determined after a fire-technical examination. 2

The mansion and the adjoining Miller apartment building are listed as cultural heritage sites; Meduza calls the mansion a designated regional architectural landmark. Their facades, in an eclectic style with Italian Renaissance elements, keep the look created in an 1879 reconstruction. 2 1 The outlets date the building differently: Meduza says it was built in the 19th century, while Anadolu calls it an 18th-century mansion. 1 2 Meduza adds that in early 2026 the developer TAS secured a 768-million-ruble loan to restore the mansion and convert it into an exclusive apartment building, with work due to finish in 2027. Anadolu says only that the mansion has retained its residential function. 1 2