Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on preparedness to ensure the safety of the 2026 flood and fire season. The event was held at the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' situation center. All relevant federal agencies participated—the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Roshydromet, Rostekhnadzor, Rosprirodnadzor, Rosvodresursy, and Rosleskhoz—as well as the heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Thanks to this format of cooperation, significant consequences of adverse natural events were avoided last year.
"Last year, the area burned by fire was reduced by almost half. The Russian government allocated approximately 20 billion rubles for forest fire prevention and control in 2025. This funding included the creation of a forest fire center in the Far East and the upgrading of the equipment of units in the regions most prone to fires. This year, funding for related activities has been increased by another 7 billion rubles. Specifically, there are plans to establish 11 new air units and strengthen 40 existing ones," said Dmitry Patrushev.
This year, the procurement of video cameras will continue, which will improve the speed of wildfire detection. Forest firefighting equipment will be updated, including for new regions. Additional funds for forest fire prevention and control will be provided to 19 regions. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized to the meeting participants that all measures must be carried out efficiently and before the onset of the fire season.
Roshydromet has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive wildfire forecast. Rosleskhoz is tasked with inspecting all regions for the season's preparedness, paying particular attention to the condition of equipment and the staffing levels of units, as well as forest fire prevention measures. Ground and air patrols must also be monitored regularly.
Ivan Sovetnikov, head of the Federal Forestry Agency, spoke about joint preparations with the regions for the fire season. He noted that increased federal funding will, among other things, allow for the hiring of over a thousand new employees.
Dmitry Patrushev recalled that, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, the goal is to halve the area of forest fires by 2030. Furthermore, this year, almost 85% of fires must be extinguished within 24 hours of detection. Last year, not all regions met this requirement.
The leaders of the most fire-prone regions of the Russian Federation briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on their efforts to protect populated areas from wildfires, organize firefighting efforts in hard-to-reach areas, and prevent agricultural fires. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of regions informing local governments about fire safety requirements in populated areas prone to wildfires. Furthermore, it is necessary to inspect social infrastructure, energy, transportation, and agricultural land bordering forested areas to ensure preventative measures are in place.
The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources has been instructed to pay special attention to ensuring fire safety in specially protected natural areas.
At the end of the meeting, Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of high-quality interagency cooperation. This can be organized through exercises and unscheduled inspections conducted by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Furthermore, headquarters have been established at the federal level and in each region to prevent and respond to potential emergencies. The experience of the district headquarters in the central part of the country has proven its effectiveness and will continue to function. The Deputy Prime Minister also recommended establishing similar headquarters in each federal district.
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