Rustam Minnikhanov: “We underestimate the problem of fires caused by ignition of dry grass”

Last week more than 80 % of all fires in Tatarstan were connected with burning of dry grass and rubbish. 14 dwelling houses and non-residential buildings of private sector were burned down for the period of April 19-22.

RT Minister of civil defense and emergency situations Rafis Khabibullin reported on implementation of RT Cabinet Edict dated 19.04.2010 about introduction of special anti-fire regime and measures on prevention and liquidation of forest fires in Tatarstan this year. A republican videoconference was held in House of RT government by the President Rustam Minnikhanov.

“We have to discuss the current issue because of complicated situation with fires in many republican regions. This very problem has always been given due consideration. Burning dry grass has become something “funny”, but the consequences are not the same. Year by year it is getting more complicated”, - Rafis Khabibullin stressed.

Last year such fires destroyed 130 buildings. As a result private sector was damaged for millions of roubles. The number of set-offs for fire extinguishing per 24 hours reached 260-270. For the last 24 hours most fires connected with burning of dry grass have been registered in Kazan (246 cases), Almetyevsk (35), Zelenodolsk (52), Nizhnekamsk (46), Verkhny Uslon (24), Vysokaya Gora (31), Laishevo (30) and other regions.

Employees of State fire inspectorate have checked 127 rural settlements and more than 800 objects situated in forest zones or nearby. Administrative proceedings were instituted against 95 legal entities, 115 heads of rural settlements, 959 officials and 299 citizens for breach of fire safety requirements for the sum of 2 mln. roubles.

“It is necessary to carry out explanatory work with people who burn grass and attract district policemen. We have to take the hardest measures and punish the guilty, to work more with schools. You are not a charitable company which just tells about harm of fires”, - Rustam Minnikhanov addressed staff of the ministry of civil defense and emergency situations.

President noted that employees of Ministry of forestry and Ministry of agriculture and foodstuff should support ministry of civil defense and emergency situations to settle up this issue.

RT Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, RT prosecutor Kafil Amirov, RT Minister of interiors Asgat Safarov took part in the meeting.