A forest fire reportedly sparked by drone debris has spread to 41.5 hectares near the village of Krynitsa in Russia’s Krasnodar Oblast, with one fire center burning less than one kilometer from a winery linked to Vladimir Putin.

Local authorities reported the blaze on the morning of 28 August after Ukrainian drone fragments fell in the area, according to Gelendzhik mayor and the regional emergency ministry. The fire has expanded from its initial size overnight, reaching 41.5 hectares by 29 August morning.

“More than 330 people are fighting the fire, about 80 units of equipment are working, as well as a helicopter and aircraft of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations,” Krasnodar Oblast governor Veniamin Kondratiev said.

The village of Krynitsa sits just 10 kilometers from Putin’s palace on Cape Idokopas, Agency reported. Russian media Important Stories reported that the fire center may be 3-4 kilometers from the presidential residence.

The Insider said that another fire source burns less than one kilometer from Putin’s “Krynitsa” winery. NASA FIRMS mapping data shows this blaze located just 850 meters from the winery facility.

The winery gained attention in a 2021 investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), where it appeared under the name “Old Provence.” The film detailed luxury purchases for the facility, including “gilded Italian toilet brushes,” according to the FBK documentary about Putin’s palace.

The drone attack occurred as part of broader Ukrainian strikes on 28 August. Russian authorities reported drone attacks across multiple oblasts, with local residents documenting fires at two oil refineries and a railway junction.

The Gelendzhik area has strategic significance due to its proximity to Putin’s reported Black Sea residence, which has been the subject of extensive investigative reporting and opposition scrutiny.