Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia – Russian emergency teams are working to protect villages in the region from fast-spreading wildfires.

In the village of Verkh-Chita, firefighters stopped the fire from reaching homes and buildings. They extinguished flames across 350 hectares.

Today, Russian emergency aviation dropped 126 tons of water on burning forests near the villages of Ukurik and Tankha.

A total of 38 wildfires have been reported in Zabaykalsky Krai, covering more than 320,000 hectares.

Over 650 personnel and 200 units of equipment are involved in firefighting efforts.

Strong winds, dry air, and hot weather are causing the fires to spread rapidly across large areas.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download