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Russian pilots refuse to fight fires over late pay

Aviation companies say pay arrears top $3.8 million

KHABAROVSK, Russia — Russian pilots are refusing to put out wildfires in the Far Eastern Khabarovsk Territory over pay arrears topping 122 million rubles ($3.8 million).

The majority of wildfires that were triggered by the summer heat have been extinguished, but there are still 11 fires still raging, covering about 2,100 acres, according to Rianovosti.

Because of the late payments, several aviation companies have refused their services.

The Khabarovsk finance minister is in Moscow discussing the situation.