In the Vitebsk region, consolidated detachments for the liquidation of forest and peat fires have been put on alert

August 12, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Consolidated detachments for extinguishing forest and peat fires have been put on alert in the Vitebsk region, Marina Fando, press secretary of the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, told a BELTA correspondent. Consolidated detachments have been created in each district of the region. They include more than 150 consolidated groups with a total number of about 2.5 thousand people, as well as more than 500 units of engineering equipment adapted for water supply and firefighting. The detachments are equipped with all the necessary equipment, tools, and property. In case of a fire, these groups, together with the units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, move to the fire source and participate in its liquidation, as well as take measures to prevent the spread of fire to settlements and industrial facilities. The ongoing abnormal heat and lack of rain maintain a high probability of fires, especially in the eastern regions of the region. According to meteorologists, temperatures up to plus 37 degrees are expected in the region for the weekend, and up to 39 degrees in some places. More than 850 people, including local residents, have been involved in monitoring the condition of forests and peatlands. In addition, work is underway to create mineralized strips in the most fire-hazardous areas around settlements, sanatoriums, children's health camps, recreation centers, agricultural and industrial facilities. A ban on visiting forests is in effect in seven districts: Vitebsk, Polotsk, Senno, Tolochin, Liozno, Dubrovno, and Orsha. In total, there are 592 fire-hazardous areas in the region, including 64 peatlands and 528 forest territories. -0-