Wildfires in the Zabaikalsky region of Far East Russia are continuing to expand due to strong winds and dry conditions, according to the country’s Aerial Forest Protection Service. Firefighters are working tirelessly to keep the flames from reaching populated areas.

A federal state of emergency has been in effect since April 23 in this region, which currently accounts for nearly 90% of the wildfire-affected land in Russia. The regional fire safety chief resigned within days of the emergency declaration.

As of Monday morning, approximately 456,400 hectares (1.1 million acres) were ablaze, a significant increase from 371,300 hectares reported the day before, the Aerial Forest Protection Service noted.

The agency stated that all the wildfires are the result of human activity, pointing out that strong winds, combined with warm and dry weather, have enabled the flames to spread quickly over the weekend.

“Even a tiny spark can escalate into a larger fire,” the forest protection service warned in an online message.

Experts speculate that many of this year’s wildfires in Russia are caused by human actions, such as burning dry grass near settlements. Contributing factors also include insufficient snow cover and an unusually early spring.

According to the forest protection service, wildfires in the Zabaikalsky region pose a threat to eight villages in the vicinity of the regional capital, Chita.

The local diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church announced prayers for rain this week, encouraging congregants to join in unified prayer.

Tragically, at least three firefighters have lost their lives while combating the flames, and one firefighter suffered severe burns on Saturday, reported Russia’s Aerial Forest Protection Service.

Emergency management officials have indicated that they’ve identified numerous suspected arsonists and initiated criminal investigations into instances of negligence. Furthermore, regional authorities have imposed travel restrictions on intercity roads without the consent of local mayors.