San Francisco, U.S. 13 Sep (ANA) - Russian diplomats at its closed consulate in San Francisco have been formally accused of violating state laws following a fire early this month. They might have to pay a fine over the offence, officials say. It is not clear what materials were burned before the Russians vacated the premises in San Francisco - and annexes in New York and Washington DC. The move follows Russia's expulsion of US diplomatic staff amid a row over alleged Russian election interference. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from a chimney of the San Francisco consulate on 1 September.

Firefighters said "unknown items" were burned at the consulate fire, which Russia said the fire was part of "efforts to conserve the building".

Air quality officials in San Francisco say that diplomats have been issued with a Notice of Violation (NoV) for a rubbish burning incident. Burning rubbish is illegal in the city. An NoV is a formal record of a violation of state law, with offenders liable to penalty fees - or in more serious cases - civil or criminal prosecution.(ANA)

FA/ANA/September 2017----