What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of June 19, 2026, multiple wildfires are burning across Russia's Krasnoyarsk region in central Siberia. The fires are concentrated in remote northern forests and have expanded rapidly due to high temperatures and widespread tree damage caused by Siberian silkmoth infestations (1).
Authorities declared a regional wildfire emergency as the burned area grew to more than 62,600 hectares. Nearly 90 active fires have been reported, most in rugged areas accessible only by air.
Fire map of central Siberia, Russia, as of June 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
Which cities or areas are affected by the Krasnoyarsk Fires?
Wildfire smoke has engulfed multiple settlements across the Krasnoyarsk region. The towns most severely impacted include:
- Lesosibirsk
- Yeniseysk
These two towns have a combined population of around 80,000 people. NASA satellite imagery has confirmed several fire hotspots in the area around both settlements, with smoke plumes visible from space.
What is the current containment status of the Krasnoyarsk Fires?
As of June 19, 2026, the Krasnoyarsk wildfires remain active. More than 1,400 firefighters, supported by about 30 aircraft and specialized equipment, are battling nearly 90 fires.
Emergency crews from neighboring regions have been deployed, and authorities report that dozens of fires have been extinguished or halted. However, hot, dry weather and large amounts of dead timber continue to complicate suppression efforts.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Regional authorities have stated that there is no immediate threat to residential areas from the flames themselves. However, the Krasnoyarsk region remains under an active wildfire emergency order, under which the public is prohibited from entering forests, lighting campfires, burning trash or grass, and carrying out any fire-hazardous activities.
Residents of Lesosibirsk and Yeniseysk are experiencing severely degraded air quality due to heavy smoke, with local reports describing increasingly difficult breathing conditions indoors (2).
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
