On September 12 and 13, 2026, an operation to eliminate dangerous wildfires unfolded in the North Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions. Fire from dry grass and shrubs came right up to the railway tracks, threatening train movement. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

To save infrastructure and extinguish the flames, fire trains of the national company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy were urgently dispatched to the scene.

North Kazakhstan region: Chkalovo — Zolotorunnoye section

The most tense situation developed in the North Kazakhstan region on the Chkalovo — Zolotorunnoye section. Dry grass and a forest belt caught fire over an area of 1.6 hectares. The wall of fire stopped just 10-15 meters from the rails.

A fire train from Kokshetau station arrived at the emergency site. 60 people and 10 units of equipment took part in extinguishing the fire. It took 15 tons of water to fight the fire front. Thanks to the rapid actions of the crews, the fire was completely extinguished by 21:33.

Karaganda region: Karaganda-Sortirovochnaya station

In the Karaganda region, dry vegetation caught fire in the area of Park No. 6 at Karaganda-Sortirovochnaya station. Fire train No. 13 arrived at the scene within minutes and began supplying water at the 711th kilometer just three minutes after stopping. The hotspot was quickly localized.

KTZ emphasized: train delays and infrastructure damage were avoided

KTZ emphasized that thanks to the prompt work of the special trains, delays of passenger and freight trains, as well as damage to infrastructure, were avoided. There are no victims as a result of the incidents.

Key data

  • 01Dates of incidents: September 12-13, 2026.
  • 02Regions: North Kazakhstan and Karaganda regions.
  • 03Fire area in North Kazakhstan region: 1.6 hectares.
  • 04Distance from fire to rails: 10-15 meters.
  • 05Those involved in extinguishing in North Kazakhstan region: 60 people, 10 units of equipment.
  • 06Water used: 15 tons.
  • 07Time of complete extinguishing in North Kazakhstan region: 21:33.
  • 08Fire site in Karaganda region: area of Park No. 6 at Karaganda-Sortirovochnaya station.
  • 09Fire train in Karaganda region: No. 13.
  • 10Kilometer of water supply: 711th kilometer.
  • 11Victims: none.

Summary

According to KTZ, thanks to the prompt work of the fire trains, train movement was not delayed and infrastructure was not damaged. There are no victims in either region.