The fire blazing in the Ust-Donetsk district of the Rostov region appears to have been sparked by a short circuit on a power line, according to TASS, cited through Petr Kostenich, the head of the Forest Department of the Southern Federal District. In a briefing circulated by the agency, officials indicated that the ignition likely originated from electrical equipment rather than natural causes, and responders remain focused on containing the flames and preventing further spread.
Rostov regional governor Vasily Golubev confirmed in a statement shared via his Telegram channel that seven houses have been destroyed where a total of 17 residents, including four children, had been living. He added that 53 people affected by smoke inhalation or exposure sought medical assistance, underscoring the local impact on families and communities in the affected villages.
The emergency response, coordinated by the regional authorities and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, reports that the current fire perimeter covers about 138 hectares. The firefighting operation mobilized 461 personnel and 107 units of equipment. Air support is also in play, with Be-200 amphibious aircraft and Il-76 transports, as well as Mi-8 helicopters from both the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia and the Ministry of Defense, contributing to water drops and ground-based suppression efforts. In total, the aircraft performed 47 water drops, delivering roughly 275 tons of water to slow the spread of the blaze and protect nearby dwellings. Officials note that operational challenges include winds up to 30 meters per second and extreme heat, which complicate aerial and ground efforts alike.
Earlier on the day of the incident, the fire, which had moved from the forest into the village of Verkhnekundryuchenskaya in the Ust-Donetsk district, damaged more than 30 buildings. Local authorities have urged residents to follow official safety advisories and to prepare for possible evacuations should conditions worsen, while coordinators continue to monitor weather patterns and terrain to optimize the suppression strategy. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the priority remains quick containment and minimizing further damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. This event has prompted temporary disruption in nearby services and requires ongoing collaboration among regional emergency teams, forestry agencies, and aviation units in the region. [Источник: ТАСС]