Clouds are being spiked with a special compound over remote areas of Yakutia to force rain in forest infernos

Clouds are being spiked with a special compound over remote areas of Yakutia to force rain in forest infernos.

The skies are cannoned from An-26 planes with silver iodide or liquid nitrogen by forestry fire fighters, provoking 50 minutes of rain across a 30 kilometre area.

An 18,000 hectare fire in Viluisky district is being targeted, some 425 kilometres northwest of regional capital Yakutsk.

Firefighters are also using explosives to remove obstacles and build mineral lines to block the spread of fires.

Yakutia has some 12 wildfires.



The city of Yakutsk covered in smoke. Pictures: Yakutsk.ru

In Yamalo-Nenets officials reported 47 wildfires across 2,097 hectares after a blast of hot weather.

Last year, deadly anthrax - previously frozen in the permafrost - was released causing health hazards to humans and reindeer. The region has called for help from neighbouring governors due to the fast spread of the wildfires.

Local governor Dmitry Kobylkin said: 'The temperature in the region is extreme. The situation will remain the same for some time.

'We are now engaging all possible additional resources. We've asked neighbouring regions about additional firefighters, Yekaterinburg has already replied.

'We understand that situation is intensive everywhere.

'We are also waiting for significant help for Rosleskhoz and Avialesokhrana.'



Wildfires in Yakutia. Pictures: YSIA.ru

Emergency measures are in place in 17 regions and republics in Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Locals in many regions say the summer forest fires are are worse each year as temperatures rise.