One of the issues discussed at the meeting was the impact of the hydrological regime on the condition of water bodies and forest resources. Changes in soil moisture levels directly affect the risk of forest fires. «To date, 175 fires have been recorded in the state forest fund of Gomel Oblast. Of these, 88 were fires and 87 were instances of burning. A total of 83 hectares were affected by fire,» Igor Degtyarik said.

«There are 202 video surveillance systems in place across the state forest fund to promptly detect fires. This includes 101 automated Forest Guardian surveillance systems,» he noted.

With the onset of autumn, precipitation is expected to significantly improve the fire situation. «At present, most of the oblast is at Fire Danger Class 1 or 2. As the risk of fires has decreased, restrictions on visiting forests have been lifted. Class 3 fire danger remains in some districts, where restrictions on visiting forests are still in effect,» Igor Degtyarik stressed.