Strong wind triggers fires of dry vegetation in more districts of Moldova

Chisinau, 23 January /MOLDPRES/ - The Interior Ministry’s (MAI) General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) has liquidated over 60 fires of dry vegetation all over Moldova in the last 24 hours. According to the latest information, the fires destroyed about 240 hectares of vegetation.  

Most fires were registered on grounds from the central and south Moldova. Firemen were ask to intervene to extinguish the fires of dry vegetation in the districts of Straseni, Ungheni, Calarasi, Telenesti, Ialoveni, Anenii Noi, Orhei, Cahul and Cantemir. In the central Telenesti district, rescuers intervened in the Budau village, where a fire hit 20 hectares of vegetation. Also, flames affected 40 hectares of dry grass in the central Straseni district.   

At the same time, IGSU employees intervened also nearby the Chisinau municipality. “Thus, on 22 January evening, fires destroyed ten hectares of dry grass in the Codru town, as well as 0.8 hectares in the Sangera settlement,” sources from the Inspectorate said.   

According to IGSU’s data, 65 intervention teams got involved in the extinguishing of fires on 22 January. No victims were reported in the wake of the fires.

In the context, firemen warn people about the risk of fires of dry vegetation on big areas. It is advisable that people be cautious when using open fire. In conditions of poor humidity and strong wind, fires spread quickly and can trigger big bonfires and, hence, material damage. Citizens are urged not to set fire on household waste and dry vegetation nearby forests, as well as dwellings. It is recommended that the  stakes be completely extinguished, as well as grills, if people rest in open air. In case of eventual risk situations, citizens are asked to urgently call the 112 Service.  

The State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS) informed about a yellow code of strong wind till 24 January. According to meteorologists, on this period, gustings of the north-eastern wind are expected in most regions of Moldova, with a speed of up to 15-20 metres/second.