Yakutia successfully extinguishes forest fire
Lower Number of Forest Fires in Yakutia This Year Compared to 2024
New forest fires have been reported in Yakutia, with two discovered in the Len and Viluy districts. The Len district fire covers an area of 2 hectares, while the Viluy district fire is slightly larger at 4 hectares [1].
Despite these new developments, the overall situation in Yakutia is encouraging. As of August 20, 2025, the region has experienced a significant decrease in the number and scale of forest fires compared to the same date last year. In 2024, there were 68 fires covering more than 357,000 hectares, whereas this year, there are only 7 active forest fires with a total burned area exceeding 1,100 hectares [2].
Several factors contribute to this decrease. Firstly, the high fire hazard class in several districts this season has prompted early preparedness measures [1]. Secondly, more than 480 people and various equipment have been involved in fire suppression this year, with companies like RNG actively supporting firefighting operations [1][3].
Weather conditions also play a crucial role. Heavy rains and flooding in parts of Yakutia and the Far East in August 2025 have led to emergency situations but may have helped reduce fire spread by increasing moisture in some areas [4]. However, it's important to note that climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of wildfires in boreal regions like Yakutia overall [5].
As of August 16, there are four active forest fires in the Yakutia region, covering a total area of 579 hectares [6]. Efforts are being stepped up in the Kobyay and Len districts to combat the active forest fires [7].
Citizens are advised to report any fires immediately to the Regional Dispatch Service of Forestry. It's also worth noting that 151 protocols have been issued for violations of forest fire safety rules, and 73 culprits of natural fires have been identified [8].
Since the beginning of the season, 510 natural fires have been extinguished in the region, covering a total area of 191,349.34 hectares [9]. The firefighting efficiency in Yakutia is 63% [10].
In summary, the current decrease in forest fires in Yakutia is primarily due to effective firefighting actions and potentially wetter weather conditions this season, despite a continued underlying high fire hazard class and climate change trends that generally favor increased wildfire risks.
[1] Regional Dispatch Service of Forestry, Yakutia [2] Yakutia Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [3] RNG company press release [4] Emergency Situations Ministry of Russia [5] International Journal of Wildland Fire [6] Yakutia Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [7] Yakutia Ministry of Emergency Situations [8] Yakutia Ministry of Internal Affairs [9] Yakutia Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment [10] Yakutia Ministry of Emergency Situations
- The decrease in forest fires in Yakutia might be attributed not only to effective firefighting actions but also to the increased moisture in some areas due to heavy rains and flooding, which could be linked to the weather-forecasting data for the region.
- Despite the reduced number and size of forest fires this year compared to 2024, the environmental-science community warns that climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of wildfires in boreal regions like Yakutia, signifying a long-term concern for weather-forecasting and science in general.
- With fewer forest fires in Yakutia this year, the focus in science and weather-forecasting has shifted towards understanding the factors contributing to this trend, as this knowledge can help in the planning and implementation of preventive measures and firefighting strategies for the future.
