Wildfire Smoke Delays Over 140 Flights Out of Moscow

Thick smoke from peat and forest fires delayed over 140 flights from Moscow airports as the city continues to battle the effects of a crushing heat wave.

Visibility is below 700 meters at some airports, and was below 400 meters earlier, Bloomberg News reported. Carbon monoxide pollution is now 4.8 times the acceptable limit.

Emergency services are fighting 558 fires, covering a total of 693 square miles across the country. This year, fires have razed a total area of about three times the size of Luxembourg and killed at least 52 people.

Authorities are advising people in Moscow to stay indoors, limit physical activity and wear a mask when outside.