Wildfires are raging across the Arctic Circle, breaking out in Sweden, Finland, Russia and Norway

Wildfires are sweeping across the Arctic Circle, prompting evacuations, disruptions to rail services and calls for help from other countries.

According to reports, fires are burning across Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia.

The blazes, believed to be due to the hot, dry weather, have seen tens of thousands of people urged to stay inside and close windows and vents to avoid smoke inhalation.

Sweden, the worst affected country, has also reportedly called for emergency assistance from partners in the European Union to battle the blazes, with Norway and Italy sending help in the form of helicopters and planes that are used to fight fires.

Mike Peacock, a university researcher and local resident, told the Guardian: “This is definitely the worst year in recent times for forest fires. Whilst we get them every year, 2018 is shaping up to be excessive.”

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Apparently the fires are caused by anything from barbecues to cigarettes and lightning, but high temperatures aren’t helping the situation.

According to the Guardian, EU officials said many of this year’s fires are outside the traditional European fire zone of the Mediterranean, and increasingly taking place at unexpected times of year.