A large natural fire is raging in the Semey Ormany reserve in the Abai region. Following instructions from Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the Minister of Emergency Situations and the Minister of Ecology have flown urgently to the region, reports infohub.kz.
The outbreak occurred in the Borodulikha branch of the Semey Ormany state forest reserve. Firefighting units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), forestry workers, police, and aircraft from the MES, Ministry of Defense, and the National Security Committee have been deployed.
Due to the risk of the fire spreading, rescuers, together with police and the local akimat (administration), carried out a preventive evacuation of the children's camp "Dos-bolLike". A total of 220 people, including 190 children and 30 camp staff, were transported to Semey. According to the latest data, the threat to the village of Kamyshenka has been eliminated.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the fire has engulfed about 60 hectares of forest. Approximately 600 people, 148 units of ground equipment, and seven helicopters are involved in firefighting efforts. Aviation has already performed 81 water drops with a total volume of 89 tons. To reinforce the group, additional MES units from the Abai region, East Kazakhstan and Pavlodar regions, as well as from Astana, have arrived. Forces from "Ertis Ormany" and a military unit of the MES have also joined the operation.
Police have blocked access to the danger zone, ensuring passage for special equipment and protecting residents' property. The MES operational headquarters is coordinating the work of all services. Specialists are continuing to contain the fire from the ground and air.