Kazakhstan's Minister of Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev have arrived in the Abai region, where a large forest fire is raging. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Together with the region's akim Berik Uali, they began work by inspecting the most challenging fire sites within the 'Semey Ormany' reserve. The officials examined the most dangerous areas, assessed the operational situation and the progress of firefighting. An operational headquarters has been set up on site.
Chingis Arinov listened to reports from the firefighting commander, checked the deployment of forces and equipment, and ordered the formation of a rescue reserve and additional measures to improve efficiency.
'As of this hour, more than 600 people, over 160 units of ground equipment and 7 helicopters are involved in firefighting. Containment work continues during the night,' the Ministry of Emergency Situations said in a statement.
On July 16, a mobilization of emergency services was declared in the Borodulikha district of the Abai region. The large forest fire broke out on the territory of a branch of the state forest nature reserve 'Semey Ormany'.
The firefighting involves employees of state forestry institutions, 'Kazavialesookhrana', units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Security Committee, Ministry of Defense, local executive bodies and the Ministry of Health.
The fight against the fire is complicated by extreme heat, a high fire danger class and difficult terrain.
Earlier, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov sent two ministers to the emergency site.
Meanwhile, the reserve has already been the site of one of the worst forest tragedies in Kazakhstan's history. In June 2023, a fire claimed the lives of 15 forestry workers.