President holds consultation on wildfire-caused emergency situation

President Serzh Sargsyan held a consultative meeting to review the course of the firefighting effort aimed at extinguishing the major wildfire that emerged on August 12 in the territory of Khosrov Forest State Reserve, as well as the proper control over the fire-prone situation faced in forest zones and the areas adjacent to forests against a protracted high-temperature background in the absence of precipitation. The speakers focused on the need for preventive measures, the identification of causes of wildfires, the damage caused to nature and agriculture, as well as the possibilities for reimbursement. The expediency of taking extra measures in the current situation was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Presidency Staff, the Prosecutor General, the Minister of Emergency Situations, the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Nature Protection, the Head of Presidential Control Service, the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Territorial Administration and Development, as well as by responsible officials from the Office of President.

President Sargsyan was briefed on the challenges and problems faced throughout the firefighting effort, as well as the measures implemented as a follow-up to the President’s commissions issued a few days earlier. All necessary measures were said to have been taken. The Head of State was told that the facilities available at the moment are sufficient to cope with the challenges faced inside the State Reserve, with daily fire control exercised in all high-emergency zones.

Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude to all those individuals and organizations involved in the firefighting effort. The President extended a special vote of thanks to the Russian partners who promptly responded to Armenian colleagues’ request for help and are now actively engaged in the firefighting activities.

In conclusion, the President of the Republic instructed those responsible to keep the situation under strict control and regularly submit updated progress reports.