Fire in historic Czech National Theater limited, no injuries

Firefighters have brought under control a fire that broke out on Tuesday at the historic Czech National Theater in the capital Prague.

According to the fire brigade, the fire started in a cloakroom used by cleaning staff. After almost an hour he was able to get it under control.

Photos showed black smoke coming from a top-floor window.

Firefighters were still searching for any hidden embers and a helicopter with a thermal imaging camera had been deployed, the fire department said.

According to the CTK news agency, all theater staff have been brought to safety and no injuries have been reported. There were no spectators in the building at the time of the incident.

Given the historical value of the 19th century theater, considered the most important in the country, a large contingent of firefighters and fire engines was deployed.

CTK reports that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

Shortly after its opening in 1881, a fire destroyed the theater’s stage and auditorium.

The theater was rebuilt within two years using insurance funds and money donated through a public fundraising campaign.