A 29-year-old man named Nikolai has been detained in Yekaterinburg after setting fire to poplar fluff, which resulted in a devastating fire that destroyed eight vehicles. The incident occurred on Kondratyeva Street in the Zarechny district.

The man, who works at a local metal collection point, admitted to police that he had been drinking beer earlier in the day and decided to set fire to the fluff. He expressed shock at the extent of the damage his actions caused.

During interrogation, Nikolai explained that he remembered setting fire to poplar fluff as a child without any serious consequences. He claimed that he did not anticipate the flames spreading to the nearby parked cars and causing them to ignite. He said he attempted to extinguish the fire with water but was unsuccessful and a bystander had to call the fire department because he did not have a phone.

The fire quickly spread through the parking area, engulfing nearby outbuildings, a poplar tree, and the parked vehicles. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

Among the vehicles destroyed was a rare Volga and the car of beauty-aerographer Milana Khlyustova. Authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution with fire and to educate children about the dangers of setting fire to poplar fluff.