13 Apr 2015 15:10

Transbaikal territory declares emergency situation regime over wildfires

CHITA. April 13 (Interfax) - An emergency situation regime has been put into place in the Transbaikal territory because of forest and household fires, first deputy head of the Transbaikal territorial department of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry Oleg Skopich told reporters on Monday.

"Most fires started because of fire safety violations in populated areas and uncontrolled agricultural burnings," Skopich said.

Forty-eight homes burned down in the Transbaikal territory on Monday. Eighteen populated areas are threatened by fires in ten districts, and two people are believed to have died according to tentative reports.