Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, during his working trip to Abay Region, chaired a meeting of the Republican Operational Headquarters for Emergency Response, where preparations for the 2026 fire season were reviewed.

“The fire-dangerous period is just beginning. In some regions, fires are already being recorded in nature reserves and forest enterprises. Ignition sources emerge daily in steppe areas as well. They cause significant damage to flora and fauna. All services must be ready for rapid response,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

Reports on the work being carried out were delivered by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister for Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov, and Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Malik Olzhabekov. Akims of Abay, East Kazakhstan, Akmola, Kostanay, and Pavlodar regions were also heard.

According to Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, 36 fires covering a total area of more than 794 hectares have been registered in the country’s forests since the beginning of the year. According to the Kazhydromet forecast, the spring-summer period of 2026 is expected to be hot, with temperatures exceeding the climatic norm by 1–2 degrees. In the second half of April, temperatures in the southern and western regions may reach +25…+35 °C. By the end of summer, a precipitation deficit is forecast, which increases the risk of wildfires. In this regard, a republican action plan to reduce the risks of natural fires is being implemented, technical upgrades of environmental and forest institutions are underway, and an early fire detection system is being introduced in the most vulnerable areas.

Minister for Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov reported on the readiness of forces and equipment for rapid response to natural fires. Over 50,000 personnel and about 11,000 units of equipment have been placed on alert nationwide. Additionally, the Ministry for Emergency Situations has over 5,000 personnel, 853 units of equipment, 26 aircraft, and 218 unmanned aerial vehicles at its disposal.

To improve response efficiency, the action algorithm has been updated, including interaction with neighboring countries. Round-the-clock monitoring of the fire situation is conducted using digital and space-based systems, which allows centralized command and faster decision-making.

Aviation detachments have been formed in every region of the country, and 24/7 ground and aerial patrolling is organized in high-risk forest zones.

The development of the “Aul Kutkarushylary” network continues: currently, 167 fire-fighting posts are operating, and their number is planned to increase to 700. A republican grouping of forces and equipment has also been approved. In May, command-staff exercises “Ort-2026” on responding to cross-border fires are scheduled to be held in Kostanay Region.

Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Malik Olzhabekov reported on the readiness of information systems for fire modeling. In particular, a map of fire hazard classes and indices has been implemented in the “Tasqyn” system, which, based on meteorological and satellite data, allows risk forecasting and fire spread modeling. The processing time for hotspot data has been reduced to 20–30 minutes, and prompt access to satellite imagery is ensured.

The current situation and preparedness measures for the fire season were reported by regional akims. In particular, Akim of Abay Region Berik Uali informed about enhanced prevention and patrolling efforts, the introduction of early detection and space monitoring systems, strengthening of the material and technical base, development of fire posts, preparation of forces and equipment, and conducting exercises. Since the beginning of the year, 2 forest fires have been registered in the region and were extinguished without consequences.

Akim of East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov reported full readiness for the fire season: forces and equipment have been formed, machinery has been strengthened, aerial patrolling is underway, early detection systems are being developed, and mobile groups, including for remote areas, have been prepared.

Akim of Akmola Region Marat Akhmetzhanov noted a stable situation with no fires recorded in the region. Preparation has been intensified, and civil protection forces have been formed — over 1,200 personnel and more than 600 units of equipment. The network of fire posts is being expanded, funding for prevention has been increased, equipment is being upgraded, and early fire detection systems using drones are being introduced.

Akim of Kostanay Region Kumar Aksakalov reported that no natural fires have been registered since the beginning of the year. Prevention work is carried out on a permanent basis, preparation of forces and equipment continues, with 3,200 personnel, 1,100 units of equipment, and other resources engaged. Special attention is paid to preventing forest fires. As part of this work, an observation tower was built last year in the Auliekol district, and the construction of another 20 facilities is planned. By the end of 2028, the level of equipping forest institutions with fire observation towers will reach 100%.

Akim of Pavlodar Region Asain Baikhanov informed about strengthening the material and technical base, purchasing equipment, and creating a mobile grouping for autonomous fire suppression. In addition, 24/7 video monitoring has been ensured, the network of fire posts is being developed, and aerial patrolling using Mi-8 helicopters and “Kazavialesookhrana” aircraft is planned.

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev emphasized the importance of intensifying preventive work in both forest and steppe regions. It was noted that akimats need to accelerate the creation of firebreaks, cleaning of territories, bringing equipment to readiness, checking agricultural machinery for spark arrestors, and preparing water sources.

The Prime Minister focused on the need for high-quality implementation of the republican and regional action plans to reduce fire risks. Particular emphasis was placed on cleaning settlements from dry vegetation and garbage, as well as creating mineralized strips. According to the Ministry for Emergency Situations, this work is not being carried out at the proper level in a number of regions, including Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Turkistan regions, and Zhetisu Region. Cleaning of territories has also not been completed in Almaty, West Kazakhstan, Turkistan, and Atyrau regions, creating a direct threat to settlements. According to the Ministry of Ecology, low preparedness for the fire season is noted in Aktobe and Kyzylorda regions.

Olzhas Bektenov tasked the akims with intensifying this work and instructed them to take personal control over solving problematic issues.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister issued several instructions to state bodies and agencies:

• Ministry of Ecology — ensure full coverage of regions with aerial patrolling and accelerate the conclusion of contracts for helicopter duty during the fire season, equipped with water-dropping devices and positioned near forest areas. It is also necessary to deploy additional observation posts in the most fire-prone zones and make greater use of unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial visual monitoring of forests and steppes. In case of need, involve aircraft of the Ministry for Emergency Situations, as well as aviation units of the Ministry of Defense, Internal Affairs, and National Security Committee, ensuring their deployment across regions.
• Ministry for Emergency Situations, together with the Ministry of Ecology and other interested state bodies — organize and conduct a republican command-staff exercise on responding to natural fires. The exercises should involve “Aul Kutkarushylary” posts, whose potential must be actively used, and their development should continue nationwide. In addition, an operational headquarters with representatives of interested state bodies will be established in the situational center of the Ministry for Emergency Situations during the fire season to ensure 24/7 monitoring of the situation in the regions.
• Ministry of Ecology, together with akimats — continue work on further equipping environmental and forest institutions. Together with akimats, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and “Kazakhtelecom”, it is necessary to expand coverage with early fire detection systems and ensure their operation, including on the territory of the “Semey Ormany” reserve.
• Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development — ensure the readiness of information systems for fire forecasting and fire suppression algorithms using Earth remote sensing data. Forecasting results must be promptly communicated to akimats and interested state bodies.
• Akimats — continue work on organizing voluntary fire-fighting units in settlements. Ensure the availability of necessary fuel and lubricants reserves for the involvement of aircraft in the regions. Prepare water bodies for water intake by fire trucks and helicopters. All organizational issues must be resolved by April 20.
• Ministry of Internal Affairs — take measures to prevent citizens from staying in forests during the period of high fire danger. Organize a schedule of raids and patrolling. Hold all violators of fire safety requirements accountable.
• Ministries for Emergency Situations, Ecology, Culture and Information, as well as akimats — strengthen explanatory work among the population on compliance with fire safety requirements.

Coordination of the implementation of the instructions has been assigned to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Ecology #President's instruction

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