The government of Kazakhstan will allocate more than 623 million tenge ($1.4 million) from the reserve to fight forest fires, the press service of the prime minister reported. The Cabinet of Ministers indicates that forest fires are becoming an increasingly significant problem.
The allocated money will be used to purchase Mi-8 helicopters adapted for rescue missions, as well as 26 externally slinged water drop devices.
“These measures will increase the operational capabilities of special services in the fight against fires,” the government says.
Large forest fires in Kazakhstan are becoming an increasingly urgent problem. Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov noted that the Cabinet of Ministers considered readiness for the fire season during the last meeting.
A large forest fire is being extinguished in Abai region with the help of helicopters, trains and vehicles. 600 people are extinguishing three large areas. The total area of forest fire is already about 3,500 hectares.
Source: Central Asian News Services