Russia Intensifies Forest Fire Fight

Russia Intensifies Forest Fire Fight

30 August 2007

published by www.plenglish.com

Russia — The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations reinforced technical and rescue staff, including over 1,000 personnel and 239 specialized fire-fighting units, to face the wave of forest fires affecting several regions in central Russia.

There are still 63 active fires covering nearly 4,000 acres hitting the Republic of Tiva and Cheliabinsk and Riazan provinces hardest, with flames engulfing vast expanse of forest in Vladimir and Ivanovo provinces.

The Emergency Ministry declared orange alert in Cheliabinsk in the Urals after four days without being able to stop the fire.

The authorities assured there is no sign of threat for the population or economic sites, specifically that the oil and gas pipelines are secure.