The head of the Sverdlovsk region, Yevgeny Kuyvashev, has described the fire situation there as critical and confirmed that federal help has been requested to battle the blazes. This update was reported by TASS and echoed by regional officials as the situation evolved over the days that followed.
The authorities explain that the severity stems not only from the fires themselves but also from a combination of weather factors. A winter with minimal snowfall has left peatlands damp but susceptible to smoldering fires, while an unusually hot and dry spring has intensified fire activity. Add in gusty winds that can reach around 20 meters per second, and the region faces rapid flame spread and unpredictable weather shifts. Officials note that the firefighting teams are stretched thin by the sheer scale of the fires and the number of simultaneous outbreaks, making it difficult to contain every hotspot with local forces alone.
To reinforce local efforts, the region has requested federal assistance. In response, aircraft from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, helicopters from the Ministry of Defense, units of the Russian Guard, and Avialesookhrana have been deployed or prepared for deployment to support firefighting operations. The cooperation extends beyond Sverdlovsk, with the Arkhangelsk and Krasnoyarsk territories also contributing resources and personnel to aid in suppression efforts and to protect communities from encroaching flames.
Earlier reports indicated that a fire in Sverdlovsk forced residents of the Tyumen village Ushakov to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Official channels have not yet disclosed the destination plans for arriving evacuees or the exact numbers of people relocated, prompting questions from journalists and local residents alike about future shelter arrangements and safety protocols while the emergency response continues.
On May 4, a substantial forest fire driven by strong winds spread toward inhabited areas, reaching the village of Uspenka. In response, part of the village and two social institutions were evacuated to ensure civilian safety. A state of emergency was declared within the village boundaries, and the blaze damaged 18 structures, eight of which were homes. The incident underscored the urgent need for coordinated regional and federal action to safeguard residents, protect critical infrastructure, and expedite recovery once conditions permit. The authorities emphasize ongoing monitoring, rapid deployment of air and ground support, and transparent communication with the public as the response evolves and the situation demands additional resources or changes in strategy.