Russian republic besieged by wildfires

GORNO-ALTAYSK, Russia, May 17 (UPI) -- Wildfires have destroyed nearly 42 square miles of woodlands in the Russian republic of Tuva, officials say.

A duty officer at the regional Ministry of Natural Resources said while firefighters had been able to contain 10 large fires in the southern Siberian region, other blazes were still spreading, ITAR-TASS reported Saturday.

On Friday alone, a total of 25 hotbeds were found in parts of the region's western and central parts.

No injuries or fatalities had been attributed to the blaze.

The Russian news agency said unseasonably hot, dry weather in the region has helped the wildfires spread across Tuva.