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Azerbaijanâ€™s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources issues statement on Shahdagh National Park fire

14 August 2010 10:02 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Ilhama Isabalayeva â€“ APA. On August 13, a fire blazed up in the Shahdagh National Park forest in Gabala region reportedly caused by carelessness of teenagers picked berries in the forest. The fire covered 4 hectares of territory, press service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources told APA. Local staff members of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, soldiers of the Shamakhi base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, firefighters of Gabala region were involved in extinguishing the fire. A helicopter of the Ministry of Emergency Situations was used in the operations. The fire blazed up in a shrubby place and therefore didnâ€™t seriously damage the forest.

The ministry said recent hot and dry weather increased fire threat in the forests and other territories and it mobilized central and local organizations to prevent fire threat and provided the local organizations with necessary equipments for that. Despite regular educational work among the population, farmers and land owners, as well as preventive measures, some people and land owners donâ€™t observe the fire security rules.