Conflagration devastates sacred Zagorskie Dali forest in Moscow Oblast

Sergiyev Posad

Flames ignited in the protected Zagorskie Dali forest on Monday evening and rapidly spread before engulfing thousands of trees and advancing on the historic town of Sergiyev Posad.

Emergency services battling to extinguish blaze

Firefighters have been deployed in force to combat the conflagration, with water-bombing aircraft also being deployed to assist. As of Tuesday morning, the fire is still raging, but firefighters are making progress in bringing it under control.

Fire believed to have been started deliberately

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was started deliberately, and a police investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

Valuable habitat and cultural heritage at risk

The Zagorskie Dali forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the European bison.

The forest is also home to several cultural and historical sites, including the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fire is a major threat to both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Evacuations underway as fire approaches populated areas

As the fire advances, authorities have been evacuating residents from nearby villages.

Evacuation centers have been set up in Sergiyev Posad, and residents have been urged to follow the instructions of local authorities.

International assistance being sought

The Russian government has requested international assistance in fighting the fire.

Firefighting crews from several countries have already arrived in Russia, and more are expected in the coming days.

What can you do to help?

There are several ways that you can help to support the efforts to fight the fire and assist those affected:

• Donate to a reputable charity that is providing aid to the victims of the fire.
• Share information about the fire on social media to help raise awareness.
• Pray for the safety of the firefighters and those affected by the fire.