INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
populated areas, regional authorities said Monday.Zabaikalsky region Governor Alexander Osipov signed an order dismissing Rinat Khismatulin
Forest Protection Service
State mediareported that current fires cover an area more than 10 times the area burned at the same time last year and show no signs of
Situations Ministrysaid Monday the fires have reached a village and destroyed four homes before the flames were extinguished
human activity, such as the burning of dry grass near settlements intended to reduce fire risks
Other contributing factors include a lack of snow cover and an unusually early spring.In response to the crisis, Osipov introduced financial
rewards for citizens who catch suspected arsonists
Emergency authorities said dozens of fire starters have been identified, and law enforcement agencies launched three criminal cases into
alleged negligence leading to wildfires.Osipov has also restricted movement on intercity roads without the personal approval of local
