 Smoke from fires raging across Russia's vast forest wilderness has engulfed the far-eastern city of Yakutsk, forcing citizens to close doors and windows despite the summer heat, and to wear breathing masks. Emergencies have been declared in seven regions of Russia due to the fires, according to Russia's Forestry Service, which collates satellite data on the fires. Around 4,000 people are involved in fighting them. The worst-hit areas are the vast Yakutia region, also called the Sakha Republic, followed by the Khabarovsk, Amur and Krasnoyarsk regions, Andrey Konoplyov, Yakutia's deputy ecology and forestry minister, told Reuters on August 9 there were currently 111 forest fires in his region alone, covering 1,800 square kilometers. Yakutsk resident Leubov Kulisovis said she would usually be opening her windows for relief from the oppressive summer air, but now, because of the smog, we can't open the windows at home. Or in the car. Only people with air conditioners and fans are spared. It's actually a bit easier in the street because it's windy today. But when you are staying in one place or at home, it's not very comfortable. It's difficult to breathe. We close windows, we close the doors, that's how it should be. Well, yes, of course, it's unpleasant to live when the air is such a smoke. It's difficult for people who suffer from lage disease, asthma, etc. It's a bit unpleasant in any case. Now, it's suffocating. I saved the windows from opening. It's a smoke now, you can't open the windows in the car, in the apartment. Only people with air conditioners or fans are spared. And when you are walking on the street, it's a bit better because today it's windy. But when you are staying in one place or at home, it's not very comfortable. Right now, according to the operational data, we are operating in the Republic of 111 forest fires on a total area of about 180,000 hectares. Of them, 53 forest fires are being inspected on a area of about 150,000 hectares. We are marking the areas that are particularly hot, such as the Usmaysky area, and the Lekminsky area and the Aldansky area. More than 1,200 people are working on forest fires now.