IZHEVSK. May 16 (Interfax) - Smoke from the grass fire near the village of Pugachyovo in Russia's internal republic of Udmurtia, where munitions have been exploding at an arms depot, covers 270 hectares, while the fire itself is burning on 15 hectares, the head of Udmurtia's branch of the Emergency Situations Ministry Pyotr Fomin said.
"In all, 30 hectares has burned. Grass started to burn and its smoke covered 270 hectares," Fomin told journalists on Wednesday.
Now there are around 15 hectares on fire, and hot spots near some trees have yet to be put out, he said.
A ground firefighting operation is under way, he said, adding that aircraft will also help put out the fire. "The aircraft will start operating in the morning and will douse all the hot spots," he said.
Udmurtia's authorities said there is no threat to local residents or social infrastructure on the territory of the former military unit in Pugachyovo
Munitions started to explode on the territory of a former military unit earlier today. There are no victims or injuries. However, explosions are still being heard.