A major firefighting operation is underway in Moscow’s northern commuter belt after a suspected explosion and fire at a power station.

Images showed flames and smoke billowing out of Plant no. 27, a modern natural gas powered generator serving northern Moscow.

By some estimates the flames went 50 metres into the sky, with the fire itself at one point covering a territory of 1000 square metres.

According to reports, some 70 fire fighting units have been sent to the scene, with emergency services helicopters also ready to fly over.

No life-threatening injuries have been reported.

Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Show all 6 1 /6 Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Black smoke and flames billow from a power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 AP Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Fire erupts from an electric power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 Reuters Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Black smoke and flames billow from a power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 AP Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Black smoke rises from a power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 AP Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Black smoke and flames billow from a power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 AP Huge blaze erupts at power station near Moscow: In pictures Black smoke and flames billow from a power station in Mytishchi, near Moscow in Russia on July 11 AP

At least 11 people are known to have presented with first and second degree burns.