News to the fire of the jumping hill in Moscow

News to the fire of the jumping hill in Moscow

As SkiJumpingItaly reported, the jumping hill “Sparrow Hills” in Moscow was partly destroyed by a fire yesterday evening at 22:45 local time. The fire obviously started in the middle of the landing zone, where new plastic mats were placed 2010 and was likely increasing because of an open fire. This makes it possible that Chinese lanterns (Kong-Ming-lanterns) could be the reason for the fire. Fortunately no supporting element of the jumping hill have been destroyed. Alexei Worobjow, head of the Moscow sports committee, explained towards ITAR-TASS that the fire demolished 70qm of the landing zone. “Chinese fireworks, which became very popular lately could be the reason for the fire.” Within the following months the jumping hill will be renovated and equipped with new mats, which will have a fire protecting surface coating. As Worobjow said, with this the complex will be upgraded further.

Although it is used for national occasions, sadly the jumping hill is barely used for international competitions. The ladies WC, which was set for Moscow last season, was moved because of the old profile of the jumping, which was build in 1956. The Russian ski association therefore decided to modernize the whole complex.

- by Peggy Kierstan (@pikayartist)