Yakutia, Russia: As of Wednesday, about 4.6 million acres of forest were burning in Russia -- an area larger than the US state of Connecticut. More than 5,000 regular firefighters are involved, but the scale is so large and the area is so enormous that 55% of the fires aren’t being fought at all, according to Avialesookhrana, the agency that oversees the effort. That means the volunteers, who take time off work and rely on their own money or nongovernmental funds, are a small but important addition to the overwhelmed forces. The hardest hit area is the Sakha Republic, also known as Yakutia, in the far northeast of Russia, about 3,200 miles from Moscow. About 85% of all of Russia’s fires are in the republic, and heavy smoke forced a temporary closure of the airport in the regional capital, Yakutsk, a city of about 280,000 people.

Meanwhile, in Antalya, Turkey: Residents of four neighbourhoods were evacuated as Manavgat’s streets were engulfed in flames and smoke. At least 500 people lost their homes to the flames while dozens of hectares of forest cover were burnt. Fire spread to the town after being fanned by strong winds through Thursday, but no casualties were reported. The government's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said around 70 people were 'affected' by the fire in the Mediterranean coastal town, but did not provide details. Footage showed streets being engulfed in smoke and flames, spreading as far as the town centre. Plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the surrounding forest, blocking out the sky. The flames have so far destroyed dozens of hectares of forest cover as well as several buildings. Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said authorities were battling the flames with a firefighting plane, 19 helicopters, 108 vehicles and 400 personnel, and that the fire was partially under control.

Aircrews w/ the NV National Guard have been flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters while battling the Dixie Fire in Northern California. The skills honed by the ANRG's primary mission - supporting the warfight - transfer directly to our ability to respond to emergencies at home.

A CalFire OV-10 putting as a lead for a DC-10 above the Dixie Fire this past week. Conditions allowed for the utilization of many fixed-wings yesterday, however conditions did not permit for such today but a moderation is being seen; 212K Acres and ≈23% Containment,