Latvia’s Medieval Riga Castle Damaged By Fire

RIGA, Latvia (AP) – The Baltic News Service is reporting that a fire has partially damaged the Riga Castle, a medieval fortress that houses the National History Museum of Latvia. The castle normally serves as the presidential residence, but BNS says Latvian President Andris Berzins is staying elsewhere as the building is being renovated.

BNS says the fire started late Thursday and raced through the attic and roof. Video from Latvian TV showed flames shooting up from the roof, sending a thick plume of smoke into the night sky. The extent of the damage is not immediately clear, including whether the fire damaged the museum and its artifacts. There are no reports of injuries.