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RIGA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- A fire broke out at the Riga circus on Thursday, a spokesperson of the fire department said, adding that people and animals were evacuated from the building.
About a dozen fire engines arrived at the scene in the afternoon to tackle the blaze, the cause of which was not immediately clear, and 44 firemen were involved in the rescue operation.
An ambulance vehicle was on standby outside the circus, but there were no reports about any casualties. All animals appeared to be safe as well.
Several people, ponies and dogs were led from the circus building into the street, eyewitnesses reported.
Eyewitness said thick smoke billowing from the burning building could be seen even from remote districts of the city.
The blaze reportedly started in a makeup room on the first floor of the building.
