Strong winds and dry weather are fueling rapidly spreading wildfires across Russia’s Zabaikalsky region, with over 456,000 hectares burning and firefighters racing to protect populated areas.

A vessel towing two barges ran aground in the Yenisei River near Kazachinsky District, Krasnoyarsk Krai, on June 8, 2025, spilling around 30 metric tons of diesel fuel over a 50-km stretch of shoreline.

Authorities in Buryatia have declared a state of emergency as rapidly spreading wildfires, blamed on human activity, devastate the Zabaikalsky region and the Republic of Buryatia, producing heavy smoke and burning homes.

Wildfires in Far East Russia’s Zabaikalsky region have forced the evacuation of residents near Chita and led to the temporary closure of a federal highway as flames advance toward towns and summer camps.