Response to forest fires continues in Russia

The forest fires started in the Altai region in the Siberian part of Russia spread over a wide area in a short time. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia stated that the extinguishing works continue in 78 of the 354 fires that started in different parts of the country. The ministry reported that the fire in the Altai and Irkutsk regions continue to spread. According to the first determinations, nearly 250 firefighting teams, 79 firefighting vehicles and a Be-200 type amphibious firefighting aircraft are on duty for the fires that continue on an area of 615 hectares in the Altai region. On the other hand, 2 thousand 500 personnel, 276 fire extinguishers, 35 Be-200 fire extinguishers and Mi-8 fire extinguishing helicopters are participating in the firefighting efforts across the country.