Vladislav Goncharov, a firefighter and blogger from Rostov Oblast, independently initiated a crowdfunding effort to support those battling the fire at the fuel depot in Proletarsk.
"The guys have been left without equipment and have lost some of their health. Knowing our system, nobody will help them, and they’ll have to buy new gear and seek proper treatment at their own expense," Goncharov wrote.
Within 24 hours, he managed to raise 230,000 rubles but admitted that this initiative has brought him problems. Goncharov claims that the media "turned the situation around," leading to a barrage of calls demanding explanations "practically from the president’s office." He decided to close the campaign and wrote that his career is likely over.
The fire at the Proletarsk fuel tanks, caused by a drone attack on August 18, has continued to burn for three days. By the morning of August 20, the fire had spread to 10,000 square meters, with smoke visible from space. Forty-one firefighters have been injured while working at the site. Proletarsk residents have been bringing food, water, and medication for the rescuers to aid centers.
