Russian Emergencies Ministry sends additional 1,000 people to tackle fires
Topic: Wildfires in Russia in 2010

Russian Emergencies services sent additional 1,000 people and 200 units of firefighting equipment to smother wildfires seized Moscow region, the head of the Ministry's National crisis control center said on Saturday.

The number of the wildfires nearby Russia's capital has increased twice at the weekend, Vladimir Stepanov said.

"It is mainly related with the human factor since people traditionally celebrate weddings, jubilees or just walk in the forest these days. They use squibs, fireworks and make fires resulting in such grave consequences," Stepanov said.

Earlier on Saturday the deputy emergency minister, Alexander Chupriyan, said that peat bog fires, causing thick poisonous smog throughout Moscow, will be put out in round-the-clock regime.

The smog has seen levels of carbon monoxide reached some 6 times the safe level. The fires have been caused by a heat wave that has seen temperatures nudge 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The smog is not expected to clear until at least Tuesday, when wind directions should change.

Much of the central part of European Russia has also been hit by wildfires, with blazes reported in over 20 regions. More than 50 people have died in the fires.

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