In pictures: Smoke blankets Moscow

Moscow residents awoke on Wednesday to find the city enveloped in smoke from forest fires. People with heart problems and other illnesses were warned to stay at home. Dozens of fires are burning around the city, but homes are not thought to be in danger.

The city's bridges faded to grey as the smoke rolled in

Traffic kept moving despite the poor visibility

Familiar tourist landmarks turned into vague blurs. Pictures: AFP

The Novodevichy monastery all but disappeared

The views were spectacular as the smoke rolled in