The Krasnoyarsk region in eastern Russia has declared a state of emergency due to raging wildfires. Large areas are in flames, with many houses destroyed. At least ten people are believed to have died.

At least ten people have been killed in a large forest fire in the Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk in eastern Russia, according to the fire department. The fire has now affected several cities in the region’s twelve districts, the Interfax news agency said, citing the regional civil defence.

In Krasnoyarsk, more than 450 buildings caught fire and at least five people died, according to the region’s emergency response ministry. Three bodies were found in a burnt house in nearby Kemerovo Oblast. Two killed and eight injured are reported from the Omsk region.

According to officials, a criminal investigation was launched into the fire in Kemerovo. After an emergency meeting, the region’s governor, Alexander Us, said the fire, including a kindergarten and sawmill in Krasnoyarsk, was caused by unusually strong winds.

Difficult to extinguish due to strong gusts of wind

Due to the violent wildfires, the Krasnoyarsk Territory has declared a state of emergency. The work of extinguishing the fire has become more difficult due to the strong wind. Officials said the fire was partly caused by falling of trees on the high-voltage lines, leading to a short circuit. The regional administration has set up emergency shelters for the residents of the affected areas.