Kazakh PM Urges Regions to Enhance Wildfire Preparedness Ahead of Summer
Kazakh PM Olzhas Bektenov has tasked regions with improving wildfire preparedness, following issues in Abai and Pavlodar during prior incidents. He highlighted predictions of a hot summer leading to increased fire risks, requiring investigations, training exercises, and a structured action plan to enhance readiness.
Following a government meeting, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has set priorities for the upcoming fire season. He announced that a new plan for rapid response and cooperation among state bodies during wildfires has been established. However, both the Pavlodar and Abai regions did not follow this action plan during this year’s initial wildfire incidents, with Abai forestry workers delaying notifications to safety ministries.
In response to these oversights, Bektenov has directed the Ministries of Ecology, Emergencies, and Interior to investigate the fire incidents in these regions, implement necessary corrective actions, and apply penalties where appropriate. He pointed out that Kazhydromet has forecasted a hot and dry summer, heightening the wildfire risk, further stressing that regions including Aktobe, Pavlodar, and others are unprepared for the fire hazard season.
The Prime Minister urged regional leaders, known as akims, to increase their efforts in preparing for the fire season. He also mandated the Ministries of Emergencies and Ecology to organize nationwide wildfire command-staff exercises by the end of May, ensuring enhanced readiness is achieved. Additionally, the Ecology Ministry, in collaboration with local authorities, is tasked with improving resources for nature protection and forestry services.
Lastly, he called for a structured plan to be developed, which must be approved by the government, emphasizing the importance of timely execution as the fire season approaches.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has laid out crucial preparations for the impending fire season, emphasizing regional readiness following failures in last year’s wildfire responses. With expected high temperatures increasing wildfire risks, he has mandated investigations, corrective measures, and enhanced training exercises for all relevant bodies. Prioritizing thorough preparations, Bektenov aims for improved coordination and efficacy during the upcoming fire season.
Original Source: qazinform.com
