Russia: EMERCOM extinguish three major wildfires near Chita

The aviation units of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) extinguished three major fires near Chita in the Zabaykalsky Krai region, Friday, as emergency services continued to battle severe wildfires across much of southeastern Siberia. According to the director-general of EMERCOM for the region Alexander Sidorov, the fires in Zabaykalsky Krai have stabilised and are now under control. However, Sidorov also noted that there are still 63 fires that have not been brought under control in the Transbaikal region. The fires, which started in the Republic of Khakassia when local farmers began burning the grass in their fields, have left at least 30 people dead, 6000 people homeless and more than 1500 homes destroyed. EMERCOM reports that more than 6,700 people have been involved in combating the wildfires, including firefighters, military personnel and volunteers.