Footage from Russian television of the fire. The fire broke out Sunday above the 1,500-foot level, knocking out TV and other communications.
Officials believe it was caused by a short circuit or overload in wiring used by a paging company.
The tower is surrounded by parkland in northern Moscow, about nine miles from the city center, and does not threaten residential structures. Luzhkov told reporters that the exclusion zone around the tower would remain in force throughout the day. Other officials said the structure is very stable and unlikely to collapse, and suggested that the fire would be under control later in the day. Smoke billowing from the structure has lessened somewhat. Meanwhile, hope was fading fast for two people believed trapped in the inferno.