Аэропорт Кадала в Чите halted flights as relentless wildfires rage in the Trans-Baikal region. The flames have crept dangerously close to the runway, rendering takeoffs impossible.
Currently, the area is battling 21 separate fires, which have spread across an alarming 160,000 hectares. Locals report overwhelming smoke and a pungent smell of burning, making it hard to breathe.
Tragically, during fire-fighting efforts, one firefighter lost his life after being attacked by a bear while separated from his team.
Evacuations are underway for a retirement home and nearby villages, as authorities scramble to combat the flames. Firefighters are armed with 15 fire-fighting units and 69 personnel from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, bolstered by the efforts of local residents and an Il-76 aircraft battling the blaze from the sky.
