Fire at Russian satellite centre

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Contact has been lost with four Russian military satellites after a fire at a Defence Ministry command post.

CNN's Steve Harrigan said firefighters had been battling the blaze in Serpukhov, 250 kilometres (150 miles) from Moscow, for 12 hours with authorities saying it was nearly out.

Harrigan said the officials were now seeking to "calm the waters," stressing that the loss of communication with the satellites was temporary.

No injuries have been reported.

AUDIO CNN's Steve Harrigan: Fire service inadequate 1MB/92.secs. AIFF or WAV sound

It was not known what the satellites were for, although he said they could form part of the country's early warning system.

Special foam to fight the blaze had to be brought from Moscow.

Harrigan said the fire draws attention to the deteriorating state of much of Russia's military infrastructure, with many of the country's 130 military satellites nearing the end of their lives.

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