Large fire breaks out in warehouse in Pārdaugava, Riga; ramp from Mūkusalas iela to Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve closed
A major fire erupted in a warehouse building at Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve 2 in Riga. The fire service has declared the highest danger level, with over 40 firefighters involved.
The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received a report at 3:52 PM about a possible fire in a warehouse building at Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve 2 in Riga, with heavy smoke spreading into the air. Due to dense buildings, the large fire area, and the risk of structural collapse, the incident commander declared the highest fire danger level. More than 40 firefighters with 10 tankers, three aerial ladders, and a rescue vehicle are engaged in extinguishing the fire.
Residents in the area of the beginning of Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve and Bieķensala who smell smoke are advised to close windows and doors, turn off ventilation and heat recovery systems, and avoid driving in the vicinity. The Emergency Medical Service is on standby at the scene, but no casualties have been reported so far.
The building is part of the former "Straume" factory industrial complex. The property is owned by an investment fund established by "Merito Partners", which purchased it in October 2024 with a loan of 4 million euros from BluOr Bank. The complex was built in the 1970s and has a total area of 40,000 square meters. It houses more than 50 tenants from various sectors, including transport and logistics, printing and packaging, light industry, manufacturing, and retail.
"Merito Partners" is an investment company managing over 10 funds and more than 20 projects in sustainable energy, specialized real estate, and long-term investments. The company's turnover in 2025 was 1.428 million euros, with a loss of 27,885 euros. It was registered in June 2022 and has a share capital of 1.25 million euros.
