As of 13:30 on November 25, two of the fire hearths that broke out on November 21 in Chambarak-Ttujur section of Gegharkunik province was extinguished as a result of the prompt actions of firefighters and rescuers, while activities continue intensively in the other fire hearths.

The firefighting headquarters was formed to manage the firefighting operations led by the Director of RS - Deputy Minister of IA, r/s Major General Kamo Tsutsulyan at the scene. Firefighting operations are implemented by the units from Yerevan and Regional Rescue Departments, the divisions of the Management Division for Firefighting and Rescue Activities of Yerevan Rescue and the Rescue Forces Departments and the rescue group from the Center for Carrying out Activities of Special Importance of the Rescue Service of MIA were involved in firefighting operations.

In total, 1,830 rescuers, 10 police officers, 103 ecopatrol service officers, 17 main and 143 auxiliary equipment are involved in firefighting operations. The helicopter of the Ministry of Defense was used for reconnaissance and firefighting operations (70 flights). 

Thanks to the coordinated and persistent efforts of the firefighters and rescuers, fires had been extinguished in several locations as follows: Spitakasar section of Martuni, the Vardenyats mountain pass, on the mountain adjacent to Zolakar settlement of Gegharkunik province, Spitak Pass, Lernajur, Saratovka-Novoseltsovo sections, on the mountain adjacent to the villages of Gogaran-Saralanj, near Urasar and Tsaghkaber settlements of Lori province, in shkhanasar, Ishkhanasar-Noravain sections of Syunik province, in the area called "Dzorkash" of Makravan district of Hrazdan of Kotayk province, near Aparan reservoir of Aragatsotn province.

Intensive firefighting operations were also ongoing in “Kazachi” area of Dilijan, near Navur settlement, in the forest adjacent to Dilijan Mountain curves of Tavush province and near Dzorashen settlement of Shirak province.

Local residents from neighboring communities were actively joined in the operations, supporting rescuers in their difficult and responsible activity.

The Rescue Service of the MIA urges community residents to avoid burning dry grass and crop stubble while cleaning pastures, in order to prevent creating additional fire hazard situations. 

We remind you once again about the harmful effects of burning crop residues, expecting a universally responsible attitude:

• Burning crop residues damages the soil, reduces soil fertility;
• Impact of burning on human health is also negative;
• During burning, biodiversity is destroyed and damaged, and the ecosystem’s ability to self-recover is weakened.

We strongly urge you to strictly follow fire safety rules. If you notice fire or smoke, please call 911 immediately.