[1][2][3] The forces of the highlanders, numbering more than 5,000 people, led by Sheikh Mansur, made their way to Kizlyar to capture and destroy it.

The lack of experience of the North Caucasians in capturing fortresses also played a crucial role.

Sheikh Mansur realized that a direct attack on the redoubt could lead to heavy losses, so he called his commanders into the camp to discuss further actions.

The Russian soldiers tried extinguishing the fire with water from a nearby river, but their access to it was cut off by Mansur's troops.

A strong wind carried the fire across the redoubt, eventually reaching the powder magazine.