More wildfires rage in Russia

MOSCOW, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- About 270 new wildfires have erupted in Russia and the death toll in the fires climbed to 52 as heat and drought fanned the flames, officials said.

The Russian health ministry said 472 people were treated for conditions related to the fires or weather and 43 remained in hospitals, RIA Novosti reported Sunday.

The ministry said 269 new wildfires started in the past 24 hours and up to 276 had been put out.

The high heat and humidity has caused Russia's worst air pollution in 2010. Carbon monoxide levels were 6 1/2 times the norm.

Tens of thousands of firefighters from Russia and other countries were battling the blazes. About 1.6 million acres have burned since the fire season began April 1.