Where are the Siberian Arctic wildfires located?
Since June 2026, massive wildfires have been burning across three Arctic regions of Siberia, concentrated in the Krasnoyarsk region, the Republic of Sakha, and the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district.
Together, blazes in Krasnoyarsk and Sakha alone have scorched nearly 3.5 million acres, roughly the size of Connecticut. Authorities blame an unusually hot summer combined with a Siberian silk moth infestation that killed vast swaths of trees, leaving behind highly flammable deadwood (1).
EU Copernicus confirmed fire intensity has been unprecedented for this region, with peak emissions occurring later than usual.
Which cities or areas are affected by the Siberian Arctic wildfires?
Wildfire smoke and fire activity have affected communities across the three regions, including:
- Lesosibirsk and Yeniseysk, Krasnoyarsk region
- Yakutsk, Sakha Republic
- Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district
What is the current containment status of the Siberian Arctic wildfires?
As of August 26, 2026, the fires remain largely uncontained. The blazes are concentrated in four remote northern districts of Krasnoyarsk, accessible only by air. Helicopters are unable to land in some areas due to heavy smoke.
In Sakha, overwhelmed firefighting resources have forced community members to independently battle fires in some areas.
In the Yamalo-Nenets district, fires continue to burn across remote tundra, with containment efforts hampered by the region's vast and inaccessible terrain.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
The Krasnoyarsk region has been under a wildfire emergency order since June 10, 2026, prohibiting forest entry, campfires, and all fire-hazardous activities. Residents of Lesosibirsk and Yeniseysk have been advised to remain indoors due to heavy smoke (2).
In Sakha, two villages in the Verkhnevilyuysky and Abyysky districts were evacuated due to heavy smog and the threat of fire destruction.
Residents across the Yamalo-Nenets district have also been urged to stay indoors as smoke from record-intensity fires continues to blanket settlements across the region.
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.
