Wildfires

Russia significantly under-reporting wildfires

Forest wildfires rampaging across Russia are being significantly under-reported by authorities, according to analysis of satellite data.

Climate change is making wildfires much more likely in Russia, but regional officials have been reluctant to report the true extent of the problem, and campaigners are warning that the harm to forests, property and human lives could rise.

While the recent forest fires around Fort McMurray, Canada, destroyed more than 580,000 hectares, those in Russia have burned up to 3.5m hectares since the start of 2016, according to Greenpeace Russia. It said at least 1m hectares were in flames at the end of May in the country, which is home to the largest forests in the world.

But local Russian agencies are reporting only 669 000 hectares burned this year.