The Ministry of Forest Resources reminds residents of Nizhny Novgorod to follow fire safety rules in the forests.

      The Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the Nizhny Novgorod Region urges residents to strictly observe fire safety rules in the forests in connection with the hot weather established in the region.

      "Extensive hot and dry weather continues in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, contributing to a high fire hazard level. Given this situation, the ministry is taking measures to strengthen monitoring through the video surveillance system, and the number of forest patrols has been increased. All firefighting resources have been put on full alert. I especially remind residents and visitors of the region of the necessity of strictly following fire safety rules, as preventing emergencies is much more effective than fighting consequences," said Roman Vorobyov, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Protection of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      The department reported that since the beginning of the fire season, 18 forest fires have been recorded on the land of the forest fund. Most fires occurred in the Mikhaylovsky, Borsky, and Balahninsky districts' forests. The causes are careless handling of fire and dry thunderstorms.

      The Ministry of Forestry of the Nizhny Novgorod Region also reminded that a special fire safety regime is in effect in the region, under which it is prohibited:

      - visiting forests when the fire danger class reaches IV–V based on weather conditions;

      - conducting agricultural burnings, lighting fires, burning solid municipal waste, trash, burning grass, and other fire hazardous works;

      - using structures for cooking on coals.

      The regional Ministry's website daily updates a fire hazard map showing areas where forest visiting is forbidden.

      Under the special fire safety regime, violations by citizens can incur fines up to 50,000 rubles, for officials up to 90,000 rubles, and for legal entities up to 1 million rubles, not including the obligation to compensate for any damage caused to the forest fund. Destruction or damage to forest plantations, including due to careless handling of fire, also entails criminal liability (Article 261 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

      In case of detecting a forest fire, residents are asked to report immediately by ringing the direct line of forest protection: 8 (800) 100-94-00 or the regional forestry dispatcher service: 8 (831) 430-01-23. Calls are accepted around the clock.