The Poligon nightclub fire in Kostroma, Russia, occurred in the early hours of 5 November 2022 when a blaze erupted in the Poligon entertainment venue, which functioned as a bar, restaurant, and dance club. The fire killed at least 13 people, with some official reports later noting up to 15 fatalities, and injured several others; around 250 people were evacuated from the building during the incident. 

The fire is believed to have been triggered when a patron discharged a flare gun inside the nightclub, igniting ceiling decorations or other combustible materials. The resulting flames and dense smoke spread rapidly through the single‑storey venue, and the roof eventually collapsed under the intensity of the fire. 

Emergency services were called shortly after the blaze began, responding with multiple fire engines and crews to extinguish the fire, which took several hours to bring under control. Russian police detained a suspect shortly after the incident, and investigators opened a criminal case into the unlawful act that caused the fire. Authorities also examined the nightclub’s safety measures, as blocked or inadequate exits and the rapid spread of smoke and flames were factors that hindered evacuation. 

The Poligon fire drew attention to ongoing concerns about fire safety compliance in entertainment venues in Russia, where similar tragedies have occurred, most notably the 2009 Lame Horse nightclub fire.