Mikhail Kasyanov: Forest Fires On Khabarovsk Territory Pose No Danger To Populated Areas

The situation with forest fires in the Khabarovsk territory is "difficult, but it is nevertheless under control," said Russian Premier Mikhail Kasyanov on Thursday. Opening a government session, Kasyanov stressed that fires have spread over an aggregate space of almost 50,000 hectares, but "populated areas are out of danger." According to Kasyanov, all necessary firefighting gear and aviation -- including two amphibious aircraft -- have already been dispatched to the region. The premier has instructed the minister of natural resources to send his deputy to the disaster area to supervise the firefighting effort.