Smog from fires blankets Moscow

MOSCOW, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Moscow remained under a cloud of smog Saturday as smoke from wildfires burning in nearby forests and peat bogs continued to blanket the Russian capital.

Conditions have been made worse by stifling hot weather with temperatures sometimes exceeding 100 degrees, RIA Novosti reported. Forecasters said little relief from either smoke or heat was expected until Tuesday.

Carbon monoxide levels in the air have been measured at six times what is considered safe.

European Russia has had one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades this summer. Near Nizhny Novgorod, fires gutted villages, and more than 50 people have been killed.

Many of the fires have been in peat bogs, presenting an especially difficult problem because they can continue to burn for months underground. Deputy Emergency Minister Alexander Chupriyan said firefighters are now working round the clock on peat bog fires near Moscow instead of containing them at night.

Health experts say Muscovites should remain indoors and avoid smoking.