Encroaching forest blazes in Yakutia threaten nearby communities
In late August 2025, the Republic of Yakutia, also known as Sakha, is battling a series of significant forest fires affecting several districts. The fires have been reported in Olekminsky, Lensky, Aldansky, Tomponsky, Mirninsky, Vilyuysky, and Neryungrinsky districts.
The fires have engulfed a total area of approximately 351,000 hectares, with some fires covering over 1,000 hectares individually. The situation is particularly critical in the Olekminsky District, where fires have been reported in Tyanya, Byas-Kuel, and Kudu-Kuel villages. In the Tomponsky District, the fire near Tepliy Klyuch, initially reported as localized, is still among the active fires.
Efforts to control the fires are extensive, with over 480 people and multiple equipment units, including specialized vehicles from regional companies, actively engaged in fire suppression operations. A combination of ground forces and mechanized units is deployed. However, the size of the fires and the ongoing risk of spread keep the situation serious.
Though most fires are in forested and sparsely populated zones, the proximity to districts with population and industrial hubs raises concerns about air quality, evacuation readiness, and infrastructure safety. However, no major evacuation or direct population threat has been reported so far. Some flood-related emergencies have complicated the situation in Sakha but are distinct from fire risks.
In comparison to the previous year (2024), the number of fires and total affected area in Yakutia is lower, indicating some improvement in fire control. Despite this progress, the current situation remains challenging, with fires continuing to affect multiple districts, including Neryungrinsky, Olekminsky, Aldansky, Ust-Maysky, Lensky, and Tomponsky.
In the Mirninsky District, the fire in Zarya is still active, while in the Vilyuysky District, the fire in Sidybyla continues to burn. In the Lensky District, fires have been reported in Turukta village and Innyaly. The fire near Biyas-Kuel village in Olekminsky District is particularly complex, and smoke from the fires is observed in Neryungrinsky, Olekminsky, Aldansky, Ust-Maysky, and Lensky Districts.
Two of the fires, Kudu-Kuel in Olekminsky District and Tepliy Klyuch in Tomponsky District, have been localized, but no new fires have been localized since the previous report. The fire in Khan, located in the Neryungrinsky District, is still active.
Local authorities continue active firefighting and monitoring to ensure the safety of the population and infrastructure. Despite the ongoing challenges, the efforts to control the fires are ongoing, and the situation is under constant review.
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