FLAMES CONSUME ST. PETE'S GEM








ST. PETERSBURG, MARCH 12, RIA NOVOSTI - Fire teams left the site as flames fully destroyed the Benois Countryhouse, precious monument of late 19th century architecture.


	The fire was first reported, 17.23, say Kalinin District police officers on duty. Several teams rushed to the site, and fought the conflagration for longer than an hour--all in vain as the wooden outer walls and interior perished, and the roof collapsed.


	Designed by Jules Benois, the house was lately under thorough repairs. The works were at a standstill, say rumours.


	The city fire service and the municipal civil defence board are withdrawing comments.