Gurulyev states that "Zabaikalleshoz" is ill-prepared for forest fires
Andrei Gurulev, a State Duma Deputy from Zabaykalsky Krai, has raised concerns about the readiness of regional enterprise "Zabaykalskleshoz" to combat forest fires this year. According to Gurulev, the enterprise is facing serious problems with equipment supply and staffing.
Equipment Supply Issues
There are difficulties in acquiring sufficient and up-to-date firefighting equipment. "Zabaykalskleshoz" is experiencing a shortage of vehicles, firefighting tools, and protective gear necessary to effectively combat forest fires. Logistics and delivery delays also impact the timely provision of essential equipment to remote areas within Zabaykalsky Krai, which complicates rapid response capabilities.
Staffing Challenges
"Zabaykalskleshoz" faces shortages of qualified personnel trained specifically in forest fire prevention and suppression. Retaining skilled workers is problematic, partly due to the harsh working conditions and the remoteness of many sites, as well as often limited financial incentives and support. There are challenges in mobilizing an adequate number of temporary or seasonal firefighters when fire risk peaks.
Preparedness and Training
Ensuring comprehensive and ongoing training for staff in the latest firefighting techniques is a concern, which affects operational effectiveness during emergencies. Coordination between different agencies and local authorities sometimes lacks full efficiency, affecting preparedness and resource distribution.
Gurulev did not specify the extent of the equipment malfunctions at "Zabaykalskleshoz" or provide any information about the current number of staff at the enterprise. He also did not indicate any specific solutions or actions to address the readiness issues at "Zabaykalskleshoz".
Large-Scale Fires and the Human Factor
Gurulev emphasized that the main cause of large-scale fires is not the human factor, but the insufficient readiness of the system to challenging natural conditions, including prolonged drought. He urged specific actions to strengthen the technical and staffing support of regional forestry to avoid similar situations in the future.
Gurulev also mentioned that an investigation is underway in Atamanovka regarding several arsonists, but urged against panicking about deliberate arson. He believes that an investigation is necessary to ensure the safety of the region and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, "Zabaykalskleshoz" is dealing with equipment shortages, logistical hurdles, and staffing difficulties, all of which hinder its ability to prepare adequately for forest fire seasons in Zabaykalsky Krai. The enterprise's readiness for the upcoming fire season is a cause for concern, and Gurulev has called for action to address these issues and improve the system's readiness for challenging natural conditions.
In light of the equipment shortages, logistical hurdles, and staffing difficulties, the readiness of "Zabaykalskleshoz" for combating climate-change-induced weather abnormalities such as forest fires in Zabaykalsky Krai is questionable. Therefore, the need for enhancing the enterprise's capability to cope with environmental-science-related crises, like forest fires, is crucial.
