A large fire broke out in Altai near the border with Kazakhstan

The forest fire in the Altai Territory on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan spreaded to more than 20 hectares, Turanews.kz reports citing the Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Altai Territory.

It was stated that the situation is challenging by the strong gusty wind around the area.

“The fire spreades over 20 hectares.For the time being, there is no such a direct threat to settlements and the fire is away from the villages. We are having diffulcities to spot the exact fire area due to-high smoke around it.” said the agency’s spokesman.

Rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations went to Bastan and neighboring settlements to help people in case of approaching fire. The evacuation of residents has not yet been carried out. The population has been warned of the danger.