Russia sends army to battle deadly wildfires

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38500481/ns/world_news-europe/

updated 7/31/2010 12:47:34 PM ET

MASLOVKA, Russia — Russia sent the army on Saturday to battle wildfires that have killed at least 28 people and were threatening dozens of towns and villages. Thick smoke and ash slowed firefighting efforts and thousands of people were being evacuated.

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Many regions of the country are suffering through their hottest summer since record-keeping began 130 years ago. Officials said Friday over 214,136 acres of parched woodland and peat bog were burning in at least 14 of the country's 83 regions, mainly in western Russia.
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