"The most probable cause of the fire, the specialists of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, consider arson ... A fire-technical examination is being carried out, following which the materials will be transferred to the investigating authorities," the TASS agency cites a statement.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations added that the extinguishing of the centers of peat bog smoldering continues, during the day the rescuers liquidated five centers of the peat fire.
"27 hotbeds continue to operate, and five additional main lines for water supply have been laid," the ministry added.
On October 11, Yekaterinburg was covered with strong smog, residents complained about the smell of burning.
The reason for this was the smoldering peat bog in one of the microdistricts on the outskirts of the city on an area of 120 hectares.
Later, part of the Yekaterinburg ring road was blocked for security reasons due to heavy smog and zero visibility.