General

Russian fires threaten nuclear sites

Two soldiers die trying to protect research centre

Two Russian soldiers were killed on Monday trying to protect Russia’s main nuclear centre in Sarov from wildfires that have already engulfed Moscow in toxic smoke. The fires began two weeks ago and have already claimed 50 victims. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev fired officers earlier this month when the wildfires damaged a naval logistics centre. The Russia Emergencies Ministry has said that, although 239 fires have been put out, 247 new fires have appeared, joining the 557 fires that are still burning in the region. The level of carbon monoxide in Moscow is now 1.4 times higher than acceptable levels and reports from Moscow authorities say that the mortality rate in the city has doubled.

National Post

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