Several steppe fires broke out in Kazakhstan's Kostanay Region, coming dangerously close to residential homes. According to preliminary data from rescuers, the fire may have crossed over from Russia, reports infohub.kz.
The fires initially started in dacha areas in Zhitikara, after which the flames spread to Denisovsky District and began moving across the steppe. Over the past day, rescuers received eight reports of fires. In some areas, the flames came right up to homes, but did not reach residential buildings.
Akimats report that where structures burned, the cause was a short circuit — with the exception of the village of Grishenka in Denisovsky District. "A fire broke out in dry grass in the village of Grishenka. Near the railway, the fire subsequently spread to the steppe. We managed to prevent the fire from spreading into the village territory. Residential homes and buildings were not damaged," said Maksim Ustinov, head of the department for mobilization preparation, territorial and civil defense of the Kostanay Region akimat.
In addition, according to preliminary information, over 800 hectares burned in Karabalyk District. The fire came from Russian territory. In total, over the past week, five steppe fires, two on agricultural land, and 19 technogenic fires were registered in the region.
"Mostly our fires result from agricultural burning. Currently, the harvest campaign is in full swing. As a result, farms begin conducting agricultural burns afterward. Right now, agricultural burns are prohibited because we have a high fire danger situation across the region," said Dauren Sarinov, head of the fire control department of the Kostanay Region Emergency Situations Department.