Latvia’s Medieval Riga Castle Damaged by Fire

A major fire has caused extensive damage to Riga Castle, the medieval fortress that houses the National History Museum of Latvia.

Viktorija Sembele, a spokeswoman for the State Fire and Rescue Service, said Friday that the overnight fire damaged the roof and the second and third floors of the castle.

She says some significant items in the museum suffered water damage but none was destroyed.

The castle is normally the residence of the Baltic state’s president, Andris Berzins, but he is currently not residing there since the building is under reconstruction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Sembele says one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.