Azerbaijan endangered by wildfires

/By AzerNews/

By Nigar Orujova

Spring is a pleasant time for many people, but for nature, it is a time to get ready to face wildfires. Though this spring was not hot in Azerbaijan, strong winds and low rainfall may raise fire risks.

Expert believes that in 90 percent of all cases people are damaging nature by reckless negligence, which in turn may cost not just their lives but that of others.

Today, news of terrific wildfires has already come through from around the globe. In Russia, strong fires are currently roaring in Siberia and that since early April. The fires have destroyed over 1,200 houses and made at least 5,000 people homeless. China and Mongolia have also faced devastating fires.

Wild fires are common in Azerbaijan during the summer period. Last year, they raged all throughout July and August and even reached nature reserves. Seven wildfires burned through Azerbaijani forests, which damage may amount to about 5,000 manats.

“Azerbaijan can be triggered by forest fires,” ecologist Telman Zeynalov told echo.az. “Unfortunately, we do not know from which side to wait for them and how detractors will work."

There are two anthropogenic factors causing fires in Azerbaijan -- careless handling of fire and burning grass after the grain harvest. The country has even a law under which farmers are not allowed to burn anything on agricultural lands. Any violation is slammed with a huge fine.

In the wild, a lightning striking trees can cause fire. However, most fires are the result of carelessness. Sometimes a spark from a burning agricultural waste can lead to a grand forest fire.

In the first quarter of 2015, fires killed 15 people and injured another 34 in Azerbaijan, which is 21 percent more than the same period last year.

A cautious attitude towards fires may save lives and property. Do not play with fire!