A wildfire in the Utrish Nature Reserve near Anapa in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai has spread to 10 hectares, according to Anapa Mayor Svetlana Maslova.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that an Mi-8 helicopter made 50 water drops on Friday, but dry and windy conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly.

“Firefighting efforts at the Utrish Nature Reserve are continuing. An Mi-8 helicopter made 50 water drops today. However, due to the dry and windy weather, the fire spread rapidly, and the affected area now stands at 10 hectares. If the fire is not contained by morning and weather conditions allow, aircraft will again be involved in the firefighting operation,” Maslova said.

Emergency services, forestry workers, Cossacks and trained volunteers are involved in the operation.

The fire started near Maly Utrish on Thursday evening, initially affecting 1.5 hectares. The area grew to 4.5 hectares on Friday morning and 9 hectares later in the day before reaching 10 hectares.