Russia declares state of emergency over wildfires

Russian authorities have imposed a state of emergency in about 500 towns and villages because of wildfires across the west of the country.



Irina Andrianova, a spokesperson for the Emergency Situations Ministry says there are about 700 wildfires currently burning, covering some 115,000 hectares.



She says most of the fires were started accidentally by people burning garbage, dropping cigarettes, or failing to extinguish campfires or barbecues properly.



According to her, the wildfires are among worst ever to hit the region.

So far, some 34 people have been confirmed dead including two fire-fighters.