Vyksa Steel Works, part of Russia’s United Metallurgical Company (OMK), has had to periodically suspend production due to fires in the Nizhny Novgorod region where the plant is located, the head of the plant said on Tuesday.

"The climate situation in the region remains uncertain. However, OMK is doing its best to meet its obligations to partners despite the force majeure in the Nizhny Novgorod region because it is aware of the strategic importance for Russia and Europe of projects [including the Nord Stream pipeline], where the factory is the core supplier," Vladimir Kochetkov said.

Vyksa Steel Works also said that some 500 employees participated in fire-fighting operations in the region, while the company has sent all its heavy machinery to extinguish fires.

Russia is suffering its worst heat wave in 130 years of records, with President Dmitry Medvedev announcing an emergency situation in seven regions due to wildfires. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, fires have destroyed 759 houses and killed 19 people.

MOSCOW, August 3 (RIA Novosti)