Fifty three forest fires extinguished in Russia within one day

The State Forest Guard Service of Russia's Natural Resources Ministry has put out 53 forest fires during the past day, says a press release of the ministry, which was received by RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

"The fires were extinguished the day they were spotted," the report says.

At present, 148 forest fires are raging in Russia, and the total area covered by them during a day was 1,249 hectares, the press release says.

According to reports from the Natural Resources Ministry, the Far Eastern (88 fires), Urals (32 fires) and Siberian (21) Federal Districts remain among the leading areas in the number of fires,.

"Most of the fires are caused by thunderstorms and people's careless handing of fire. At present 1,271 persons, 28 aircraft and 122 machines take part in extinguishing the fires," the press release says.

The total number of fires that broke out since the start of the fire-dangerous season is 23,023, their total area being 1,876 hectares.