Reports of peat-bogs in Russia spontaneously igniting, smoking out Moscow

Moscow smog
Moscow smog.

Wildfires in Russia, mostly from burning peat-bogs, are creating the worst smog Moscow has seen since 2002 and is exposing citizens to pollution that is 10 times above safe levels. Residents are inhaling the equivalent of 40 to 50 cigarettes every few hours.

Some reports say the peat-bogs spontaneously ignited. Here is an excerpt from the Epoch Times:

Moscow city center was enveloped by thick smoke on Wednesday coming from wildfires outside the Russian capital. The fires were sparked by the hot weather and drought that the country has been suffering this month.

Emergency officials say that peat-bog fires that can spontaneously burst into flames, are to blame for a large part of the natural disaster.

Russian firefighter
Russian firefighter.

Russia’s emergency ministry has so far recorded about 50 flashpoints of peat-bog fires across the country, 43 of which are in the Moscow region.

The Russian meteorological office reports that the central region of the country, including Moscow, is currently most susceptible to fires.

On Tuesday, in a small village of Vladimirskaya, neighboring Moscow, wildfires destroyed about 20 houses. There were no reported deaths or injures.

Bloomberg reports:

Forty-two fires broke out overnight in peat bogs drained for agriculture during the Soviet era, including 39 in central Russia, according to the Emergency Situations Ministry. All but two of the fires were extinguished.

HERE is a link to a satellite photo of the smoke near Moscow.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

One thought on “Reports of peat-bogs in Russia spontaneously igniting, smoking out Moscow”

  1. We have peat deposits in eastern NC. Its much more likely that a lightning ignition smoldered for weeks before low RHs allowed the fires to get large, than it is for a peat bog to “spontaneously combust”. Have they checked ALMS?

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