Forest fires, which have covered many countries of the world, began in some regions of Azerbaijan

Baku/07.08.21/Turan: Although fires have been extinguished in many regions, experts are expressing concern about the possibility of a resumption of forest fires due to hot weather and some other factors. What measures are being taken to prevent forest fires? How is the defense organized?

According to international standards, there are few forest belts in Azerbaijan. In addition, 10 percent of the forests in Azerbaijan have been destroyed recently due to contracts related to horticulture.

Last month, the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Ecology and Natural Resources, and Agriculture appealed to farmers, representatives of municipal and executive authorities, and the public with a request to observe strictly fire safety rules in cultivated areas and natural areas.

The appeal notes that the majority of fires in forest areas occur due to the careless handling of fire by citizens who do not comply with fire safety rules, farmers who set fire to fields after harvesting, people having a rest in nature.

According to the rules of fire safety in the forests of the Republic of Azerbaijan, responsibility for organizing fire safety in forests lies with the Forest Development Service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said that before the start of the summer season, an enhanced working regime is being introduced in specially protected natural areas. “The personnel is divided into teams, and each of them is assigned official duties. It is determined who should perform which task in the event of a fire. The personnel also monitor the condition of the special equipment used to extinguish the fire."

The department noted that during the summer season, among other measures, artificial barriers are created for fire protection of forests in areas where fires are possible. "Also, at the beginning of the season, mineral strips are laid along the border of these territories so that the fire does not spread from the crops, farm plots to specially protected areas. These territories are plowed up so that in the event of a fire, the flame does not pass into the forest."

The of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources stressed that since 2021, together with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, exercises are being conducted in specially protected natural zones. “We involve even local rural communities in trainings. This year, such events were held in Samur-Yalam, Hirkan National Park, Shirvan National Park."

The Ministry of Emergency Situations said that in order to prevent forest fires, it is necessary to observe strictly safety rules. “You cannot throw rags and other materials contaminated with lubricants, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel and other flammable liquids in the forests. Refueling of cars, tractors and other engine units of internal combustion in unidentified places is unacceptable."

The ministry noted that in order to prevent a fire hazard, plowing should be carried out in the necessary places with a width of 2-3 meters. "In addition, the forest must be cleaned of trash, and the surroundings of any structures located in the forest must be plowed up within a radius of 15 meters or provided with fire-fighting mineralized strips."

The ministry added that in order to ensure the fire safety of forests, the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources regularly hold educational meetings on the ground. “At the same time, we have prepared special video materials for the safety of the population, various posters, booklets aimed at developing the skills of the population to behave in emergency situations. We distribute these visual aids among residents of settlements located in areas adjacent to forest belts."

Environmental expert Javid Gara said that measures to protect forests from fires are almost non-existent. “They just talk to the villagers so that they don't burn the territory. This is a very primitive method. "

He noted that the probability of forest fires in Azerbaijan due to natural reasons is one percent. “The remaining 99 percent occurs either through negligence or deliberately. A deliberate fire is possible in two scenarios. In the first scenario, it can be ignited in order to lose traces after deforestation, and in the second - with the aim of revenge. For example, someone those who work in the forest are fired and he burns the forest. "

According to Javid Ghara, it is necessary to expand the fire infrastructure, increase the number of equipment for extinguishing fires. "There should be enough fire engines in the districts, it is necessary to train the manpower and villagers, and in places where there are many forests, you can train the personnel of military units to extinguish fires so that there are enough resources if the need arises."

The eco-activist stressed that so far, not a single criminal case has been initiated in connection with forest fires and no one has been brought to justice. “A criminal case should be instituted against each fire and the public should be informed about its consequences. If those who burn the forest are punished, others will be more responsible,” he concluded.—0—