Wildfires Blanket have brought clouds of smoke to Moscow in recent days, covering famous landmarks and sparking health concerns.

The fires affecting Moscow are concentrated in the Ryazan region, some 250 kilometers to the south of the capital, where forests and dried-out peat bogs have been burning for weeks.

President Vladimir Putin ordered Wednesday the Ryazan region blazes to be extinguished as soon as possible, with extra fire-fighting crews sent from other areas of Russia.

This is not the first time smog has appeared in Moscow in recent months, with local authorities advising residents to wear masks to protect themselves earlier this month.moscow times

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