Almost 3 million hectares on fire, including Arctic, with fumes having hit area larger than European Union.
A dramatic operation in biting cold of minus 41C saved elephants Magda and Jenny from death after a fire in the trailer carrying them across Siberia.
Dramatic video shows the bird staying put in clouds of caustic smoke.
Predators seek food in villages all around Siberia as climate expert warns of worse fires each year due to soaring rise in temperatures, 10C above average.
New evidence of climate change as blazes come six weeks early in 2014.
Emergency services in major operation with higher toll feared.
President meets with people affected and pledges support, new homes and financial aid to ensure Khakassia can rebuild.
All on board safe after An-148 jet returns to Talakan Airport soon after takeoff.
Flights late on Thursday and on Friday suffered disruption due to smog caused by blazes in dry woodland made vulnerable by the current heat wave.
230 wildfires rage in Russia’s coldest republic of Yakutia, with state of emergency declared in Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk regions.