The forest fire season has begun in Russia. What you need to know

The fire season has been officially opened in nine regions of Russia since the beginning of March, and new forest and natural fires are starting every day. So far, the fire has not led to the destruction of houses and infrastructure, and new fires can be quickly eliminated. However, in Primorsky Krai, where the most severe fire situation has been established, smog has begun. What is the situation with fires in Russia — in the Izvestia article.

Forest fires in Russia

• With the beginning of spring in Russia, the threat of forest fires is increasing again. In March, the fire season was opened in nine regions: completely in the territories of Krasnodar Krai, Kalmykia, Adygea, North Ossetia, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Chechnya and Astrakhan Region, as well as in 18 municipalities of Primorsky Krai.

• At the same time, Primorsky Krai became the first region in 2026 to have a special fire protection regime — since March 10, it has been operating in the Khasan Municipal District, located in the south of the region, near the borders with China and the DPRK. Residents of the district are prohibited from visiting forests, except in cases where their work is connected with it, a complete ban on bonfires, burning of garbage and dry grass has been introduced, and fire-hazardous work has been stopped. For the duration of the regime, fines for fire safety violations are increased up to 2 million rubles.

It's all burning with fire: Forest fires have engulfed the Far East

Fires are being extinguished by more than 3,000 people, and the number of specialists in difficult regions is constantly increasing.

• As of March 17, 17 wildfires (including forest fires) were recorded in Primorsky Krai on an area of more than 750 hectares. The situation in the Khasan district remains the most difficult. At the same time, smoke from fires led to smog in Vladivostok. The capital of the region has a pungent smell of smoke and reduced visibility.

• In addition to the Primorsky Territory, forest fires have been recorded over the past week in the Krasnodar and Trans-Baikal Territories, Sevastopol and the Pskov Region on a total area of 590 hectares. The fires did not lead to the destruction of residential buildings and economic facilities, almost all fires were completely eliminated. According to the Federal Forestry Agency, in the vast majority of cases, forest fires have arisen due to careless handling of fire in forests and adjacent territories.

What to do in case of smog

• So far, the most noticeable negative consequence of forest fires in Russia has been smog in Vladivostok. The smell of burning began to be felt both in the city center and on its outskirts. Smoke began to form after dry grass began to catch fire due to lack of precipitation. The meteorological conditions are such that the smoke lingers in the city and does not dissipate. The situation is deteriorating due to exhaust fumes and smoke from pipes, which also pollute the air.

• Smog poses a certain danger to the population, as suspended particles and gorenje products cause exacerbation of chronic diseases and worsen the condition of even healthy people who do not have breathing problems. Smog primarily affects the lungs, bronchi, cardiovascular system, and eyes. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at risk.

• In this regard, the Ministry of Health of Primorsky Krai recommended that residents of Vladivostok and the surrounding area stay outside as little as possible and keep their windows closed. Air purifiers or air conditioners with filters should be used at home. Upon returning home, it is worth rinsing your nose and throat, and abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol while the weather conditions worsen.

• You cannot protect yourself from smog with a medical mask. Its purpose is to create a barrier for outgoing drops of saliva and mucus secreted by humans, and not to protect the wearer from the dangerous effects of smoke. You can protect yourself from the smallest smoke particles, which can be less than 2.5 micrometers in size, only with the help of carbon filters, respirators and gas masks. In extreme cases, a wet gauze bandage can help, but it does not protect against the entire mass of pollution during smog.