The number of fires in the ecosystems of the Vitebsk region has tripled
The number of fires in the ecosystems of the Vitebsk region has tripled this year. The head of the Vitebsk regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sergey Meleshkin, focused on the unfavorable situation developing in the region's ecological systems this year during a meeting of the commission for emergency situations under the regional executive committee.
"As of today, since the beginning of the year, 175 fires have occurred in the region, including 123 fires of grass and shrubs over a total area of 76.2 hectares and 39 forest fires over an area of 69.3 hectares. At the same time, for the entire last year, 45 fires in ecosystems were recorded in the region, and 50 in 2017," stated Sergey Meleshkin.
The largest number of grass and shrub fires occurred in Vitebsk, Tolochin, Vitebsk, Postavy, and Dokshytsy districts, and forest fires in Polotsk, Braslav, Rossony, Miory, and Beshenkovichi districts. According to Sergey Meleshkin, the Ministry of Emergency Situations units in the region have studied the readiness of forestry resources to detect and extinguish forest fires in a timely manner. A number of shortcomings have been identified in the organization of work that affect the ability to respond promptly and effectively in case of an incident.
"The goal of this work is to help identify and eliminate all problem areas, as well as to establish close and fruitful interaction with forestry organizations," emphasized the head of the department.