This CNN video shows a close call when four people in a vehicle find themselves surrounded by a fire in Russia. (Update: Fire Geezer has the long YouTube version of the vehicle close call video.)

The CNN video also has some EXCELLENT footage (at 2:05) of the Russian amphibious jet-powered air tanker, the Be-200, dropping on some active fire. It is one of the most spectacular videos of a drop that I have ever seen. As we reported on July 30, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for proposals to be drawn up on the purchase of additional firefighting equipment, including Be-200 aircraft.

Be sure and click on “full screen”, the icon at the lower-right.