First Vice-premier of Russia: interference of RF Ministry of emergency situations into extinguishing forest fires will mean unreadiness of local authorities

“Necessity of interference of RF Ministry of emergency situations into extinguishing forest fires will mean unreadiness of local authorities to prevent them”, - First deputy chairman of RF government Viktor Zubkov announced at the video conference meeting of executive power bodies of RF subjects on preparation for fire hazardous period in 2011. RT Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov took part in the meeting.

Viktor Zubkov informed that in 2010 on the territory of 19 RF regions 199 settlements suffered from forest fires, 3180 households were destroyed, 62 people died.

RF Minister of emergency situations Sergei Shoigu made the key report. He noted that activity on ensuring fire safety is carried out in all regions. Executive power bodies of RF subjects and local self-government and organizations own lands of forest fund bear major responsibility for this issue.

Some disadvantages were revealed by results of revision of executive power bodies of RF subjects on preparation for fire hazardous period 2011. Firstly, it is low level of readiness of settlements and dacha cooperatives located close to woodlands.

Special attention should be paid to ensuring security at institutions for children summer holidays. Another disadvantage is low level of State fire supervision in forests, lack of funds and manpower meant for protection, lack of material and financial funds and insufficient monitoring of the situation.

Sergei Shoigu announced proposals on improving fire-prevention protection - restrictions for visiting forests and prohibitions for making fires, active work of volunteer forest guards, purchase of fire extinguishers, e.t.c.