Wildfires in Buryatia Force Village Evacuation Amid State Emergency

More than 90 residents of Sulkhara village in the Russian republic of Buryatia were evacuated on May 28 as wildfires moved dangerously close.  Authorities in Russia’s Buryatia Republic evacuated an entire village on May 28 after fast-moving wildfires came dangerously close to residential areas. The village of Sulkhara, located in the Kizhinginsky district, was evacuated as flames advanced within 10 kilometers of the settlement, pushed by strong winds.

More than 90 residents of the village of Sulkhara in Buryatia (Russia ) were evacuated due to a crown fire approaching it, the head of the republic reported. May 28, 2025

There is currently no threat to the village. The deserted settlement is guarded by the police. pic.twitter.com/OVvcsQZRpK

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) May 28, 2025

Regional head Alexei Tsydenov announced the evacuation in a Telegram post, confirming that 91 residents, including 33 children, were safely transported to temporary shelters in the nearby village of Kizhing. “The fire did not reach the village,” he wrote. “Evacuation was done as a precaution due to high wind speeds.”

As of Wednesday morning, 43 wildfires were active across Buryatia. The Federal Forestry Agency’s local branch said that 30 of them were likely caused by human negligence. Firefighting crews are working in remote areas with limited access, where the terrain and dry weather make containment difficult. At least 61 personnel and five pieces of equipment are currently engaged in fire suppression efforts near Sulkhara, where flames still burn just 6 kilometers from the village.

Buryatia declared a regionwide state of emergency on May 13 after wildfires began spreading across its forests. The ban on public access to forests remains in place. According to officials, nearly 68,500 hectares have burned in Buryatia so far this season, making it the second hardest-hit region after Zabaykalsky Krai.

Zabaykalsky, which borders Buryatia, has seen even more destruction. Fires there have burned over 576,000 hectares, prompting a federal emergency declaration in April. Officials say 90% of the 174 wildfires registered in Buryatia since the start of the season were caused by human activity.

Dry, windy conditions continue to hamper firefighting efforts across the region. Wildfires are common in Siberia and Russia’s Far East, especially during hot, dry summer months.

In Amur Oblast, another wildfire recently approached a major highway, but was brought under control by May 13, according to RIA Novosti.

Russian authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to follow fire safety rules to prevent new outbreaks.

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