Dozens of people were injured and hundreds homeless by forest and steppe fires in Siberia. According to the Russian Ministry responsible for the protection of the population, 27 wounded were registered, some of whom had to be treated in the hospital.
The fire is raging near the Siberian city of Chita. President Vladimir Putin has instructed the authorities to step up efforts to fight the fires and to bring the affected civilians to safety.
The fire has been brought under control in some villages. However, the authorities warn that the strong wind can cause the fire to rise again. The fires are probably spread from the steppes in neighboring Mongolia. In Russia, forest fires regularly occur with serious consequences, including campfires that are prohibited but are nevertheless often ignited.
