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Putin instructs emergencies minister to expand task force combating Trans-Baikal fires

Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinchev has presented a relevant report for the Russian leader

MOSCOW, April 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has listened to the report of Russian Emergencies Minister Yevgeny Zinchev about the measures taken to combat the wildfires in the Trans-Baikal Region. The Russian leader instructed the minister to expand the task force sent to the region to combat the fire and to ensure that all residents of the affected area are evacuated, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

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Nearly 160 wildfires broke out in Russia in a week

"The minister has informed the president that a federal team of the Russian Emergencies Ministry is working at the scene," Peskov said. "The minister added that at the present moment, the use of aviation is hampered by weather conditions," the spokesman added.

"On hearing the report, the president instructed to expand the task force necessary for prompt extinguishing of the fire," Peskov informed. "The head of state also ordered to take all necessary measures to evacuate people in due time, if such need arises," he stated.

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Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov

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