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Wildfire areas in Tuva decreased in half

However, the adverse weather conditions complicate the fire fighting operation

GORNO-ALTAISK, June 9 (Itar-Tass) — The areas of forest fires in Tuva decreased in half to 3,500 hectares over the past 24 hours.

However, the adverse weather conditions complicate the fire fighting operation, the Russian Emergencies Ministry's regional department said in Kyzyl.

As of June 9, there are 13 wildfires on a total area of 3,500 hectares, 1,400 of which are in forests.

Five large conflagrations on 2,800 hectares were extinguished. Seven were localized. At the same time, four new fires broke out on 17 hectares.

Nevertheless, the total area of fires decreased in almost half and more than half in the forests.

The dry weather with the wind of 18-25 m/sec seriously complicated the work of forest guard services on June 8. It rained slightly only in the western Bai-Taiga district.

At present, there are six active fires in the republic.

A total of 289 people are fighting the blaze. Forty seven units of machines, including six aircraft, are used in the work.

Ninety eight parachutists from the federal reserve of the central air forest guard base and special aircraft are actively participating in the operation.

Two B-200 planes and Mi-8 and Mi-26 helicopters carried out 42 water dropping flights during the past day. They dropped about 450 tonnes of water onto the burning forests in the inaccessible mountainous areas.

Five aircraft are planned to work this Saturday to monitor the situation, carry airborne firefighting groups and drop water.

The wildfire situation in Tuva is still complicated. According to meteorologists, the hot and dry weather will last until June 14. Heads of local administrations are instructed to remain on alert. The special fire prevention regime remains in force with the forest access restrictions for the population. The territories are patrolled day and night.

Since the beginning of the fire hazard season, 126 fires on a total area of 14,300 hectares have been reported in Tuva. Ablaze were a total of 8,200 hectares of forests.

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