In the Akmola region, efforts to extinguish dry vegetation fires that have broken out in several areas continue. Over the past 24 hours, units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) have extinguished eight fires, the department reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Work continues in the Ereymentau, Akkol, Shortandy, and Bulandy districts, as well as in Stepnogorsk. Operational headquarters have been set up to coordinate actions.
According to preliminary data, the majority of the fires were caused by lightning strikes. The MES noted that aviation is being used in hard-to-reach areas to contain the spread of fire and extinguish the most difficult sections.
Approximately 300 people and 55 units of equipment from the MES, local executive bodies, and other services are involved in extinguishing the fires. Two aircraft from Kazaviaspas JSC of the MES and Kazavialesookhrana RSE are also working.
The work on the ground is coordinated by the head of the regional emergency department, Bakytzhan Alashov.
In the area of the village of Bogenbay, located about 40 km from Stepnogorsk, a fire broke out on July 14 after several lightning strikes. According to local authorities, dry vegetation ignited in several locations in the Bogenbay rural district.
The Emergency Department reported that the fire was about 4-5 km from the village, but the fire in this area was successfully extinguished. Residential buildings were not damaged, and no evacuation was carried out.
"The fire was stopped; it did not reach populated areas. There are no residential buildings damaged by the fire. At the moment, the threat has been completely eliminated," the Emergency Department reported.
The department also denied information circulating on social media about the fire approaching three populated areas.
There is currently no threat to populated areas, and no casualties have been reported. Specialists will announce the exact area affected by the fire after all sources are completely extinguished.
The Emergency Department added that along with lightning strikes, cases of fires due to human factors, including unextinguished cigarette butts and matches, are being recorded. Residents were urged to observe fire safety measures and call 101 or 112 if they detect a fire.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that from July 5 to 11, 43 forest fires were registered in Kazakhstan, 34 of which were on the territory of the state forest fund. All fires were localized and extinguished. In the Akmola region, 32 forest fires have been recorded since the beginning of the fire season — 68.4% more than in the previous year.