Smoke from Forest Fires Sweeps Through a City in Eastern Russia

Smoke from raging wildfires in the vast Russian forests has engulfed the city of Yakutsk, located in the far eastern part of the country, forcing residents to close their doors and windows despite the summer heat and wear breathing masks. The Russian forestry authority reported that "state of emergency has been declared in seven regions due to the fires." The authority collects data on the fires using satellites. About four thousand people are participating in firefighting efforts. Deputy Minister of Environment and Forests Andrei Konoplev told Reuters on Wednesday that "the region alone is witnessing 111 fires that cover an area of 1,800 square kilometers." Lyubov Kolisova, a resident of Yakutsk, stated, "We cannot open the windows at home or in the car due to the smoke; only those with air conditioning or fans have escaped this situation. It is somewhat easier outside due to some wind today. But when you are sitting in one place or at home, it is not comfortable." Among the most affected areas is the vast Yakutia region, followed by Khabarovsk, Amur, and Krasnoyarsk regions.