(CNN) -- About 270 new wildfires have started in drought-plagued Russia over the past 24 hours, state media reported Sunday, citing the country's emergencies ministry.
"As many as 276 wildfires have been extinguished," the ministry told RIA-Novosti. "Currently, 554 wildfires are raging on an area of over 190,000 hectares".
The setback comes as Moscow chokes in intense smog, with toxic substances at levels several times greater than the norm. State media reports the combination of forest fires and pollutants contributed to the smog.
According to Russia's health and social development ministry, wildfires have killed at least 52 people and left dozens hospitalized.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev donated almost $12,000 of his personal funds to support people affected by wildfires raging across Central Russia, his website said Saturday. CNN
