UPDATE - Russia: Wildfires in Siberian forests prompt alert

UPDATES WITH NEW INFORMATION, QUOTES FROM KREMLIN ADDED

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Wildfires in the dense Siberian forests have spread to about 3 hectares prompting a high alert, the Russian Emergency Ministry said Wednesday.

The situation is particularly dangerous in Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk regions of the hinterland where the fire has spread close to residential areas, according to a statement.

Three planes are taking part in the fire extinguishing efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Defense Ministry to assist in fire fighting efforts.

Putin also ordered army troops to remain in Irkutsk until further notice.

Officials said that the fires had not caused any casualties but the smoke was causing people difficulties in breathing.

The fires were first detected in March and then May, but they gradually got out of control due to the dry summer.