Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A fire that broke out in dry vegetation at the Kitab State Forestry in Uzbekistan's Kashkadarya region was brought under control within 40 minutes, according to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
The fire started at about 1:50 p.m. on the territory of the Kitab State Forestry near the Takhtakaracha Pass.
The blaze was fully extinguished by 2:30 p.m. through the coordinated efforts of personnel from the Kitab State Forestry, the district Department of Ecology and Climate Change, and units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations from the Kitab, Shakhrisabz and Yakkabag districts.
According to preliminary data, the fire spread across an area of about 1.3 hectares, burning dry grass. Forest plantations, trees and shrubs were not affected.
Round-the-clock monitoring has been established at the site by forestry and environmental officials.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
The National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change urged the public to strictly observe fire safety rules when visiting mountainous areas and forest lands during the hot summer period, particularly those located along roads.
The committee said careful treatment of nature and compliance with basic fire safety precautions would help prevent similar incidents and protect the country's unique natural ecosystems.
