Wildfires in Kostanay: human factor is not excluded

Minister of Emergency Situations of Republic of Kazakhstan Yuri Iliin said that investigations will determine the causes of large fires that occurred in Kostanay region.

“The prosecutor’s office is investigating the criminal case under several articles: careless handling, deliberate arson. According to our investigations around the area we did not find any trace of shells or fireams… Literally there was nothing in the area. The possibilities about illegal gold miners and loggers will be elaborated in criminal cases. It will also be determined who and how many trees were allowed to be cut by the forestry department. Considering this, a supernatural factor is being considered here. According to “Kazhydromet” there was no any lightning case in that area. Therefore, the human factor is considered as one option as well. The reason of the fire will be determined based on the results of the investigation.” the minister told reporters after the government meeting.

The fire outbreak had started on September 2th at 03:10 p.m. in Basman and Semiozoyrnyi forest lands in Auliekol district then the fires were extinguished at 10:00 a.m. on September 10th.

The fires ravaged 43,000 ha of forests, damaged 91 houses in two rural settlements. 12 people were injured.