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State nature reserve Stolby closed to public due to wildfires

The forest fire centre stressed that the growth of fires is conditioned by the dry and hot weather

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

KRASNOYARSK, June 14 (Itar-Tass) — The well-known state nature reserve “Stolby” in Krasnoyarsk Territory has been closed to the public because of wildfires, the reserve’s press service reported on Thursday.

At present, two points of fire, i.e. near the Chinese wall, have been registered, the press service said.

“Due to increasing of the fire danger level the leadership of the nature reserve took a decision to close it to the public till June 22. Now excursions are only allowed for organized tourism and pre-arranged events,” the press service said.

The fire situation in Krasnoyarsk Territory is tense. According to the territory’s forest fire centre, a total of 52 points of fire have been registered on the area of more than 8,240 hectares. A total of 12 fires on the area of about 1,000 hectares have been localized and another five fires on the area of 4,000 hectares have been partially localized. There is no threat to settlements, the press service said.

According to the forest guard service, the largest fires are effective in the air operation area where 36 fires have been registered on the area of 6,314 hectares. At least 1,070 people and 161 units of equipment are involved in the fire-fighting operation. A total of 22 aircraft monitor the fire situation in the region.

The forest fire centre stressed that the growth of fires is conditioned by the dry and hot weather. The flurries also complicate the situation. The emergency situation is effective in seven regions of Krasnoyarsk Territory.

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