MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. An Il-76 aircraft operated by Russia’s Emergencies Ministry spent two days fighting wildfires in Serbia and managed to suppress major fire hotspots, the ministry’s press service told TASS.

"Russia’s Emergencies Ministry Il-76 aircraft carried out another wildfire suppression mission in the Deliblato Sands area today. The crew’s efforts have proved highly effective. We managed to contain major fire zones, helping prevent the flames from spreading toward populated areas," the Emergencies Ministry said.

The aircraft crew made five sorties and dropped 210 metric tons of water on its second day of firefighting efforts. The firefighting operation is being carried out in coordination with Ka-32 helicopters purchased by Serbia from Russia, while Serbian firefighters are battling the flames on the ground.

"The working conditions remain extremely challenging due to unusually high temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, a lack of precipitation and difficult hydrological conditions caused by low water levels in the Danube," the Emergencies Ministry added.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic thanked Russia for its assistance in fighting the wildfires following the first day of operations by the aircraft. According to him, the Russian Il-76’s work saved 50 buildings threatened by the fire.