Locals of a village in the Siberian republic of Khakassia accused Channel One journalist Mikhail Akinchenko of throwing a carefully aimed cigarette butt to get nearby grass smouldering, according to local news agency Khakassia . He later told police he had wanted to create "background shots" for a report on forest fires that have claimed 30 lives in the region. Channel One confirmed the incident and apologised, describing the move as "negligence". Police are investigating whether it's a case of arson.