Heatwave in Russia sees busy beaches, wildfires

Forest fires have engulfed parts of Russia forcing the government to deploy air and ground firefighting efforts. Parts of central Russia and Siberia, including the cities of Samara, Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk, recorded temperatures of 32 degrees celsius, which is around 10 degrees higher than average for this time of year.

In Tyumen region, over 60,000 hectares have been surrounded by flames.

An Emergency Ministry official in Samara region said that if the forest fire turned into a crown fire, it would be difficult to stop and it would engulf huge areas near population centers.