Fire breaks out in Riešė Gymnasium, 1,600 evacuated

A fire erupted in the basement of Riešė Gymnasium in Vilnius District on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of around 1,600 students and staff, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reports.

Emergency services confirmed the blaze was extinguished by 2:24 PM, with no reports of injuries. The Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) received the alert at 1:24 PM after smoke was detected rising from the school’s basement. The cause was identified as stored construction materials—new doors intended for summer installation—catching fire.

All occupants were safely evacuated before firefighters arrived, according to the Emergency Response Centre. Five fire trucks and ladder units were deployed to contain the blaze, which was localized by 2:06 PM. Authorities are now assessing potential chemical contamination risks before resuming classes on Wednesday.

In a statement on its official Facebook page, the gymnasium confirmed that students may return to retrieve belongings from 3:00 PM, adding that ventilation efforts were underway to clear the building. “The most important news is that all students and staff are safe,” the post read.