Wildfires continue to rage in Siberia

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Wildfires continue to rage the Siberian forests, burning an area of more than 7.4 million acres (3 million hectares), the Russian Emergency Ministry said Thursday.

The fires were first detected in March but have gradually grown out of control starting late last month.

Since July 20 the Emergency Ministry has been tracing an outbreak of fire beds, primarily in remote regions.

The principal causes of the fire spreading are thought to be "dry summer and insufficient measures of fire extinguishing" as Russian state policy gives priority to firefighting in inhabited areas and pays little attention to remote regions.

As a result, the dense forests turned to a blazing torch and the situation could get worse as meteorologists say no heavy rains are expected. Light rains are note adequate to change the situation as the water vaporizes in the air.

On Wednesday Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Defense Ministry to assist in firefighting efforts. It deployed 10 planes and 10 helicopters in affected areas, which carry out up to 20 flights per day.

U.S. President Donald Trump called Putin late Wednesday to offer assistance.

The Emergency Ministry said Thursday Russia may accept the offer.