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77 forest fires reported in Siberia

The main reasons for the fires are the activities of local residents and dry grass fires on the croplands

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

KRASNOYARSK, April 17 (Itar-Tass) —— Some 77 forest fires on 8,321.2 hectares were reported in Siberia. Some 26 fires on 6,359 hectares were localized, the press service of the Siberian regional emergency situation centre told Itar-Tass on Tuesday.

The forests are burning in the Krasnoyarsk and Baikal Territories, the Novosibirsk Region, the Republics of Buryatia and Tuva. Six major fires are raging on 7,062 hectares in the Baikal Territory, five fires on 5,762 hectares were localized.

The main reasons for the fires are the activities of local residents and dry grass fires on the croplands.

Some 1,450 people and 239 units of machinery are involved in the fire-fighting. “The special brigades went on 469 raids to find the violations of the fire safety in the forests and 198 administrative protocols were made up against the violators. Some 826 mobile and permanent posts were placed to restrict the access in the forests and monitor the fire situation,” the press service reported.

The weathermen forecast the 4th level of fire safety in the Altai Territory, the Kemerovo, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Omsk Regions and the Republic of Altai on Tuesday.

“New fires may break out and the area of already burning wildfires may enlarge according to the weather forecasts in all constituents of the territory. The fire may spread on the settlements, energy facilities, the pylons of the power lines and other facilities,” the press service said.

The Siberian regional emergency situation centre and the main Emergency Situation Ministry department in the Siberian Federal District and rescue paramilitary and search-and-rescue teams are on high alert.

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