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Area of forest fires in Russia’s Siberian Buryatia republic exceeds 14,000 hectares

ULAN-UDE, June 3. /TASS/. The number of forest fires in Russia’s Buryatia republic in Siberia has increased from 19 to 25 over the past 24 hours, the fire has spread over an area of more than 14,000 hectares - nearly 1,000 hectares more than on Thursday, the republic’s Forestry Agency reported on Friday.

"As of the morning of June 3, a total of 14 active fires at a total area of more than 1,000 hectares have been recorded. Another 11 fires at a total area exceeding 13,000 hectares remain localized," the agency’s press service said.

The republic’s forest service has extinguished six fires at a total area of about 120 hectares over the past day. Also, the Tunka National Park fire that spread over an area of 3.1 hectares has been put out. "The reason for it was careless handling of fire by the local population", the Forestry Agency of Buryatia reported.

Nearly 1,000 people are currently involved in the fire extinguishing efforts. They use 162 pieces of heavy and forest fire-fighting equipment.

Since the beginning of this year’s fire hazard season, a total of 293 hot spots have been registered in Buryatia. Fires have affected a total area of about 78,000 hectares.