Forest Fires Spreading in Russian Far East

Text of report by Russian Channel One TV on 4 July

The area affected by forest fires is growing in the Russian Far East. Over 9,000 ha of taiga are now on fire. In several places the fires have spread to nature reserves. Forests are ablaze in Khabarovsk and Maritime Territories where the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, which recently entered service with the Far Eastern directorate of the Emergencies Ministry, is being used for the first time to fight fires. Sea water is being poured onto burning forests in Terneyskiy District. The unique aircraft can take on board up to 12 t [of water] in a matter of seconds. The plane then descends as low as possible – to 350 m. – in order to release the water. Pilots say that the trials were a success and were not disrupted even by the difficult weather condition. From this week the Be-200 will be on permanent duty in the Far East.

[c/r 0350-0435; video shows burning forests, Be-200 flying over forests]