The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported a forest fire in the Chita region of Transbaikalia with an area of 1 thousand hectares.

A forest fire with an area of 1 thousand hectares is active near the rural settlement of Smolenskoye in the Chita region of the Trans-Baikal Territory. This was announced to Izvestia on May 11 by the head of the third fire and rescue squad of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Trans-Baikal Territory, Yuri Malyukov.

"A forest fire is currently operating within the boundaries of Smolenskoye rural settlement on an area of 1 thousand hectares. A group of 120 people and 37 pieces of equipment has been involved, and there is no threat to populated areas," he said.

Malyukov added that a fire had been extinguished in a rural settlement the day before, and the fire site was being poured. An employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations noted that the fire was caused by careless handling of fire and strong wind.

For rescuers and residents involved in extinguishing a forest fire in Transbaikalia, volunteers have set up a point with food and water. Food is brought by both locals and entrepreneurs.

"The help that comes is immediately sent to the guys who are currently working in the fields. There is a lot of water," said Tatiana Zhilnaya, coordinator of the Youth of the Popular Front.

Fiery response: the number of forest fires has increased tenfold in Russia

A state of emergency has been introduced in three regions.

The day before, Chita airport was closed for the release and reception of aircraft due to a landscape fire near the air harbor. The restrictions were later lifted.