Forest blazes in Buryatia region successfully doused
Scorching Upheaval in Buryatia: 5 Fires Break Out
Listen up, folks! As of today, there are 21 sizzling forest fires burning across Buryatia, that's 22 if we're talking 18th of June (yesterday). These hotspots are reigning over Barгуzin, Bauntovsky, Evenki, Eravinsky, Kizhinginsky, and Selenginsky districts, scorching a staggering 34,667 hectares of forestland. Fear not, the authorities say there's no immediate threat to populated areas, according to the Republican Forestry Agency (RALH).
In the past day, firefighters have managed to snuff out 6 of the infernos—in Barguzin, Bauntovsky, Zaigraevsky, and Kiakhta districts, charring a mere 569 hectares. But unfortunately, 5 fresh flames have been discovered, rearing their ugly heads in Bauntovsky, Zaigraevsky, Kizhinginsky, Kiakhta, and Selenginsky districts. The cause of the infernos in Bauntovsky and Zaigraevsky districts can be traced back to thoughtless handling of fires. In the other districts, dry thunderstorms are to blame.
Over 400 brave souls are participating in the firefighting efforts. This daring assortment includes forest guards (including 50 specialists from Irkutsk), aviation forest guards (including 87 federal reserve personnel and 50 employees of the Tyumen Aviation Base), and valiant volunteers. A whopping 51 units of equipment are being deployed in the battle against these wildfires.
Remember, a state of emergency is still in effect in the forest fund of Buryatia, as a friendly reminder from the RALH. So, if you spot a fire, phone the forest guard's hotline at (301-2) 20-44-44 ASAP!
Now let's delve into the nitty-gritty details. Most of the new forest fires in Buryatia have been linked to human recklessness, particularly from careless fire-starting activities. Around 30 of the 43 wildfires that occurred in late May were the result of human actions[2][5]. The regional forestry authorities have identified 95 suspects and are pursuing charges to recover costs for firefighting and damages through the legal system.
As of early June 2025, there were 16 active forest fires across Buryatia, scorching over 101,000 hectares[1][3]. Earlier in late May, a total of 43 wildfires were active, incinerating nearly 68,500 hectares[2]. Firefighters are grappling with this difficult situation, as many blazes are occurring in remote, hard-to-reach areas, making it tough to contain them[2]. Despite the challenges, all active fires are reportedly under control[2]. Buryatia ranks as Russia's second hardest-hit region this wildfire season, trailing only behind the neighboring Zabaikalsky region[2].
Authorities have declared a region-wide state of emergency in Buryatia on May 13, banning public access to forests to halt any additional ignitions[2]. Evacuation measures have been enacted when necessary, such as moving 91 residents from the village of Sulkhara to safety due to rapidly advancing fires whipped up by strong winds[2]. Firefighting agencies are tirelessly operating under trying weather conditions, combating multiple fires to prevent further damage and spread[2]. Resources from local and federal zones are being deployed, with a federal emergency declared in the broader region to mobilize reinforcements[5].
In closing, the new forest fires in Buryatia can mainly be attributed to human negligence, with a sizeable area currently affected by these blazes. Firefighting and evacuation efforts are ongoing under difficult weather conditions, with the goal of preventing further catastrophe and damage[1][2][3][5].
The increasing number of forest fires in Buryatia, such as the recent breakouts in the Bauntovsky and Zaigraevsky districts, could be a consequence of climate change, given their causation by dry thunderstorms and human carelessness. It's crucial to enhance our understanding in environmental science to combat the adverse effects of climate change on weather patterns and prevent future environmental disasters.
