At the next meeting of the akimat chaired by the akim of the Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov, the issue of the region's readiness for the fire season and swimming season was considered. The focus is on protecting the lives and health of citizens, especially children, as well as preserving the region's natural resources.

Fire season: alarming statistics and decisive measures

With the onset of summer heat, the number of fires in the region has increased sharply. Since the beginning of the year, 222 cases have already been registered, including three forest fires in the Zhitikarinsky, Sarykolsky and Auliekolsky districts and one steppe fire in the B. Mailinsky district.

"Fires do not occur on their own - in 90% of cases they are the result of human carelessness. Everyone should understand the consequences of their actions. One discarded cigarette butt can lead to a catastrophe for nature and people," Kumar Aksakalov emphasized.

Since the beginning of the year, 132 administrative protocols have been drawn up, including 16 for violating fire safety regulations. 95% of the imposed fines have been collected, 35% of the amounts of claims for damages have been paid. Work to bring the guilty parties to justice will continue.

Strengthening the material and technical base

In the last two years, the material and technical base of forestry institutions has been significantly strengthened. This year, 3.5 billion tenge have been allocated for the purchase of equipment. It is planned to purchase 26 fire engines, 28 tractors and 36 small forest fire complexes, which will increase the staffing from 76% to 90%.

Particular attention is paid to protective forest belts along highways - their length in the region is more than 1000 km. Responsibility for maintenance and fire safety measures is assigned to road owners.

The danger of burning stubble

The regional akim expressed concern about the continuing practice of burning stubble and straw in the fields:

"This is not only a fire hazard, but also a crime against the soil. Humus burns, the upper fertile layer dies. It is necessary to consider the issue of a legislative ban on such burning," he noted.

Swimming season: safety on water bodies

There are 26 officially designated swimming spots in the region (8 public and 18 private beaches). However, about 230 unauthorized spots are used, which significantly increases the risk of accidents on the water.

"95% of accidents occur on unequipped beaches. The first incidents of this summer have already been recorded. Parents are required to ensure supervision of their children near the water," the regional akim noted.

Since the beginning of the swimming season, 13 people have been brought to justice for violating safety rules on water bodies, and last year, by the end of the season, 45 violators were fined a total of 646 thousand tenge.

Support for rescue services

Last year, about 1 billion tenge was allocated to improve the material and technical base of the Department of Emergency Situations for rapid response to emergencies. All-terrain vehicles, quad bikes, and rescue boats were purchased, and a major overhaul of the water rescue station on the Tobol embankment in Kostanay was carried out.

In 2024, the Department of Emergency Situations units have already saved more than 1,500 people, which is 46% more than in the same period last year.

Specific instructions

The regional akim instructed:
•Akimats of cities and districts - to strengthen control over fire-fighting measures;
•Take personal control over the creation of protective firebreaks;
•Provide additional safe swimming areas;
•Increase the number of raids and patrols near water bodies;
•Conduct training for rescuers and survey the bottom of beaches;
•Strengthen preventive work among the population.

"A fire is not just a fire. It is damage to people, nature and the economy. We must minimize risks. The same applies to recreation by the water. A safe summer is our common goal," Kumar Aksakalov summed up.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1010636?lang=kk