MOSCOW (AP) — A suffocating smog from wildfires hung over the Russian capital today, raising the concentration of dangerous pollutants to a new high as exasperated residents donned masks and dozens of flights were delayed or diverted at the city's airports.

The thick haze engulfed Moscow for a second straight day as southeastern winds blew smoke from the areas worst affected by peat bog and forest fires. Weather experts said the winds are unlikely to change over the next few days.

The concentration of airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide has further intensified and is at more than six times normal levels, according to city health officials — the worst seen to date in Moscow. The smog has seeped into buildings and the city's subway system.

"I can't bear it any more," said Anna Kozyreva, 25. "My parents have left the city. All I want to is breathe normally, but my job doesn't allow me to leave."

"The smoke is everywhere — at home, in shopping malls, on the subway," added Roman Morozov, a 29-year old architect.