Air quality in Russia drops as forest fires continue to blaze

The air quality in Russia has dropped after forest fires have caused pollution levels to soar in Moscow.

On Friday (August 6th), more than 500 forest and peat fires around the capital resulted in dense clouds of smoke looming over the city.

It also caused air pollution to reach five times the normal levels of Moscow, which led to offices sending workers home to escape the thick smoke and people being advised to wear surgical masks.

Yesterday, the Associated Press revealed that 120 anti-smog centres were being opened to help residents flee the smoke and temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius by using one of its 123 air-conditioned rooms.

Speaking to the news agency about the environmental disaster, local resident Vera Savinova said: "Our planet warns us against what would happen if we don't care about nature."

More than 52 people have already died in the blazes while 160,000 firefighters continue to put them out.

Posted by Claire Manning