Vitebsk region forestry enterprises have begun preparations for the fire-hazardous season
Currently, fire fighting teams are undergoing training at the forestries and forest districts of Vitebsk State Forestry Production Association, mastering the fire-technical minimum. This is a set of rules and instructions for actions in case of fire outbreak and extinguishing. "In the Vitebsk region, the fire hazardous period begins when the snow melts. Considering the winters of recent years, this time falls in March. First of all, we need to check the technical condition of 84 fire trucks, inventory and equipment assigned to the fire-chemical stations of the forestries," said Vladimir Konkov.
Forestry workers have other technical means at their disposal. In 2020, the program for the construction of fire observation towers and masts was completed. Now there are 92 of them in the region. State Forest Guard employees can almost completely control the forest fund of the Vitebsk region. 99 video surveillance cameras installed on towers, masts and other high-altitude objects help monitor the situation. Such equipment allows for faster detection of fire outbreaks. For the same purpose, 16 quadcopters are used in the forestries of the region.
Also, patrol routes are being developed in the region's forestries, and schedules for raid activities are being drawn up to monitor the condition of the forests. For more prompt communication, forest workers have radio communication facilities. "This year, we plan to switch some forestries to a new radio communication system. It is planned to acquire modern photo and video recording equipment for more successful detection and suppression of violations in the forests," noted Vladimir Konkov.