At a government meeting on preparations for the fire-hazard season, it emerged that the "Semey Ormany" reserve is once again unprepared for forest fires. It is reported that measures are being taken against the reserve's management. 
According to media reports, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources inspected 158 state forest owners. Based on the inspection results, the department stated that the Pavlodar, Akmola, and Kostanay regions, as well as the "Semey Ormany" reserve, are not ready for potential fires.
"Among the violations identified were a lack of procurement and reserves of fuel and lubricants, the dilapidated state of forest fire station buildings or their absence, a shortage of fire towers, and wear and tear on specialised equipment. Also frequent violations included the absence of radios and a shortage of protective clothing," the report states.
It was also reported that during an inspection of the "Ertis Ormany" reserve in the Pavlodar region, it was found that all existing patrol and firefighting vehicles are subject to write-off.
"We remember well the consequences of the major natural fires that occurred in the Abay region and Kostanay region. I want to draw particular attention to the mandatory provision of each employee with firefighting gear, radios, and necessary equipment," noted Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev.
Furthermore, he instructed the Ministry of Emergency Situations to submit proposals within a week to increase the volume of helicopter services for aerial visual monitoring and firefighting.
For context, in June last year, a major fire occurred in the forests of the Abay region, resulting in the deaths of 14 employees of the "Semey Ormany" forest nature reserve.