In the Kokpekti district of the Abai region, efforts to extinguish a natural fire are ongoing at three sites. About 180 people and 26 units of equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and local executive bodies are involved in the firefighting, reports the website infohub.kz.
A Kazaviaspas helicopter of the Ministry of Emergency Situations with a water-dropping device is also involved. The aircraft has made 22 drops, using 66 tons of water.
"The firefighting is complicated by strong winds, difficult terrain, and dry vegetation. Rescuers and involved forces continue to work on eliminating individual fire sources," the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported.
The ministry added that specialists are constantly monitoring the situation and taking measures to prevent further spread of the fire.
"The situation is under control of the Ministry of Emergency Situations," the rescuers emphasized.
Meanwhile, in the Karkaraly district of the Karaganda region, a natural fire near the village of Zhanatogan has been localized. The fire occurred in a mountainous steppe area. A total of 153 people and 51 units of equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, local executive bodies, and volunteer formations were involved in the firefighting.
"Currently, work is ongoing to eliminate individual smoldering sources and to guard the territory," the Ministry of Emergency Situations said.
There is no threat to populated areas. Work at the site will continue until the fire is completely extinguished.
Earlier, Vice Minister for Emergency Situations Ramil Kamalov, Head of the Emergency Situations Department of the Karaganda region Margulan Amanbayev, and Deputy Akim of the region Ruslan Kenzhebekov surveyed the territory of the natural fire from the air, which has been burning in the region since August 11. Following the flyover, forces and equipment were redistributed.