Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia – Russian Emergency Ministry crews fought to keep massive wildfires from swallowing five villages.

The areas near Doroninskoye, Novotroitsk, Domna, Verkh-Usugli, and Ilinka were under threat.

Over 150 specialists and 35 units of equipment, including a Be-200 aircraft and a Mi-8 helicopter, battled the flames.

Dry and windy conditions made the mission harder.

Authorities say the wildfire situation in the region remains tense.

A special fire safety regime is in effect as more dry weather is expected.

Fire crews are operating under heightened readiness.

There are currently 52 wildfires burning across over 723,000 hectares in Zabaykalsky Krai.

Seven fires covering 21,000 hectares have been contained.

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