By FireRescue1 Staff
MOSCOW — Acrid smog from about 550 wildfires burning in Russia can be seen shrouding the country's capital in footage captured by citizens.
The poisonous smog from wildfires has combined with a sweltering heat wave to contribute to a doubling in the average number of deaths to 700 per day, according to the Associated Press.
Videos uploaded to YouTube on Monday show cars and people still on the streets amid the smog that heavily reduced visibility.
Recognizing the fires were out of control, the Russian government sent thousands of soldiers to assist the 10,000 firefighters already engaged in wildland firefighting efforts.
