Firefighters reported that a significant blaze in the Bastak nature reserve, located in the Jewish Autonomous Region, has been brought under control after intense efforts by the regional emergency services. According to the regional Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the fire initially pressed in from all sides, creating a dangerous ring around the responders. The crews were forced to operate in a siege-like environment, coordinating ground operations with limited access and relying on continuous, disciplined tactics to prevent the flames from flanking the personnel on the ground. In a concerted move, the firefighters managed to contain the fire within a defined perimeter, and the area is now being monitored to ensure there is no renewed flare-up. The same group of about 130 workers remains on scene, maintaining the watch and conducting extinctions as conditions allow. Aviation resources are currently on standby and have not been deployed, as officials report that ground units are handling the situation with available equipment and personnel. This decision aligns with the current assessment of the fire’s behavior, with no additional aerial support deemed necessary at this stage. (Source: regional emergency ministry press service)
The fire’s footprint has remained essentially unchanged since Friday, May 5, spanning roughly 2,500 hectares. Local authorities emphasize that the area affected by the blaze has not expanded, and efforts continue to secure the perimeters, prevent further damage to habitats, and protect nearby communities. Firefighters are focusing on creating firebreaks and carrying out targeted cooling measures to reduce heat buildup in the most vulnerable zones of the reserve. (Source: regional emergency ministry press service)
Earlier reports indicated that the Bastak reserve, which is known to host diverse wildlife, including the Amur tiger, experienced a significant forest fire event. The forest team has been working to minimize smoke impacts on nearby settlements and to ensure that the reserves’ core habitats remain intact. The smoke has been observed to drift in a northwest direction, with initial conditions forecasting continued dispersion toward Birobidzhan and surrounding villages depending on wind shifts. Fireline containment remains a priority to prevent the flames from breaching critical habitat zones, especially where endangered species have been observed in recent surveys. (Source: regional emergency ministry press service)