The builders who worked on the reconstruction of the Riga Castle, which began in December 2012, left work at 18:45.
Around 22:21 on the night of 20 June 2013, fire broke out in the castle and the firefighters were called in.
The castle was guarded by the military police.

After midnight authorities declared the fire reached the highest level, being seen across the Daugava river .
Around 1 a.m., the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported that 79 rescuers, 11 tanks, 3 ladders, 1 platform and 3 specialized vehicles were involved in the operation, and that one firefighter, who was poisoned by the smoke, had been hospitalized.
Shortly before 2 a.m, the roof of the castle was no longer visible, engulfed by the flames.
At 3:53 in the morning the source of the fire was spotted, and at 4:45 a.m. the traffic was restored on the embankment 11.
Novembra, between Akmens and Vanšu bridges.

The Riga agency of State Fire and Rescue Service gathered all resources available, including aid from the Jūrmala fire department.
The military police Corporal Alvis Brūveris lowered the Latvian flag in the castle, to be raised back on Friday by the senior military policeman First Class Officer Aldis Dortāns.
Latvian President Andris Bērziņš described the fire as a "national disaster" during a morning visit to inspect the damage.
The builders who worked on the reconstruction of the Riga Castle, which began in December 2012, left work at 18:45. Around 22:21 on the night of 20 June 2013, fire broke out in the castle and the firefighters were called in. The castle was guarded by the military police.
After midnight authorities declared the fire reached the highest level, being seen across the Daugava river . Around 1 a.m., the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) reported that 79 rescuers, 11 tanks, 3 ladders, 1 platform and 3 specialized vehicles were involved in the operation, and that one firefighter, who was poisoned by the smoke, had been hospitalized. Shortly before 2 a.m, the roof of the castle was no longer visible, engulfed by the flames. At 3:53 in the morning the source of the fire was spotted, and at 4:45 a.m. the traffic was restored on the embankment 11. Novembra, between Akmens and Vanšu bridges.
The Riga agency of State Fire and Rescue Service gathered all resources available, including aid from the Jūrmala fire department. The military police Corporal Alvis Brūveris lowered the Latvian flag in the castle, to be raised back on Friday by the senior military policeman First Class Officer Aldis Dortāns. Latvian President Andris Bērziņš described the fire as a "national disaster" during a morning visit to inspect the damage.
Riga Castle