Moscow, July 31 (KCNA) -- Forest fires broke out in Russia, causing damage.

Hard hit is the northwestern area of Russia, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of sources of forest fires throughout it.

10,000 hectares of forests are burning in Arkhangelsk Region alone and forest fires broke out in the Republic of Komi and Moscow, Vladimir and Ryazan regions.

Emergency steps are being taken to extinguish forest fires in the afflicted areas.