A fire has broken out at the student halls...

"Firemen have started evacuation and rescue efforts," the source said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

Russia has an appalling fire-safety record. Over the last few years, Russia has seen a number of deadly blazes at schools, universities, hospitals and other public places.

In 2003, over 40 foreign students were killed and 156 injured following a fire in the student halls at the Peoples" Friendship University of Russia in southwest Moscow.

In 2007, ten people were killed and over 50 injured when fire broke out in the Institute of Governmental and Corporative Management in southeast Moscow.

Late last year, a total of 155 people were killed in Russia"s deadliest fire in at least half a century. In the early hours of December 5, 2009, fire engulfed the Lame Horse night club after an indoor firework display went wrong, setting fire to the wicker-decorated ceiling.

MOSCOW, January 26 (RIA Novosti)