Over 100 forest fires raging in Russia's Yakutia - authorities

YAKUTSK. July 2 (Interfax) - A total of 105 forest fires are raging on an area of 350,000 hectares in Russia's Yakutia, the region's operational headquarters said in a statement.

"There were 105 forest fires on 350,000 hectares at the beginning of the day. A total of 1,461 people and 82 pieces of equipment are battling them," the statement said.

Aircraft, including meteorological reconnaissance planes, are taking part in the efforts, including an Antonov An-26 Tsiklon plane in the Ust-Maya district, and a Polar Airlines An-29 Atmosfera in the north of the Olekminsk district and in the Gorny district.

The most difficult wildfire situation is in seven municipal districts - the Tomponsky, Aldan, Ust-Maya, Neryungri, Olekminsk, Abyisky and Verkhoyansk, the press service for the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's Yakutia branch said.

The wildfire season began in Yakutia on May 6. A federal emergency was declared in the region on July 1. The wildfire alert is also in effect across Yakutia.