Firefighters successfully contain wildfire in Abai Region
Forest Fires in Kazakhstan Abai Region Finally Localized, Investigation Underway
Forest fires that engulfed 60,000 hectares in the Abai Region of Kazakhstan have finally been localized, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations. The fires, which initially broke out in the Batpayev forestry on June 8, burned through an area of 2,000 hectares before being brought under control on June 14 at 9 p.m. The ministry assured the public that they will continue to take measures to ensure the fires are completely extinguished.
During a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 14, Prosecutor General Berik Asylov announced that a criminal investigation has been launched regarding the fire outbreak in the Abai Region. Asylov stated that an interdepartmental investigative-operational group, comprising experienced law enforcement and special agency professionals, has been formed under the supervision of the Deputy Prosecutor General.
Law enforcement agencies are currently considering three possible reasons for the forest fires, according to Kazakh Minister of Internal Affairs Marat Akhmetzhanov. The authorities are exploring the possibilities of arson, negligence, or a lightning strike. Expert examinations and search operations will be carried out as part of the investigation, which is expected to take two months.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that approximately 6,000 tons of water were discharged 2,100 times during firefighting efforts. A total of 1,900 people and 360 equipment units were involved in combating the fires.
Since the outbreak of the fires, Kazakh entrepreneurs and citizens have stepped forward to provide various forms of assistance. Their support has helped ensure uninterrupted work for the specialists involved in extinguishing the fires and has also provided aid for the families of the victims and the residents who were evacuated.
The forest fires in the Abai Region have had a significant impact on the environment, and the authorities are taking every effort to address the situation promptly. The investigation into the cause of the fires will play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future and holding responsible parties accountable.
