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RF forestry agency to pay compensation to families of rescuers killed or injured in fire in Tuva

One of the six survivors is in serious condition with major burns

MOSCOW, June 7 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia’s Federal Forestry Agency has pledged to offer financial help to the families of paratroopers who died in a fire fighting operation to put out a wildfire in the Siberian republic of Tuva, the agency’s press service reported on Thursday.

“The families of those killed will be paid one million roubles each, and each family of those injured will receive 500,000 roubles,” the press service said.

According to the agency, one of the six survivors is in serious condition with major burns.

According to verified information, fourteen men took part in the fire fighting operation. Six survived, seven were found dead, one is still missing.

A criminal case was opened on charges of causing death through negligence to two or more persons.

A team of paratroopers from the Tuva air base took part in the operation to put out a big forest fire in Tuva’ Barun-Khemchinsky forest district. According to the Siberian regional emergencies centre, the fire was caused by the so-called “human factor,” or mistreatment of fire by locals.