Emergency services confirmed a forest fire in the Abay region, located in eastern Kazakhstan, and ongoing efforts are being coordinated by the district administration’s press office. Local authorities released updates on containment and response measures as the situation developed.
Official briefings indicate the blaze was brought under control over an area of about 3,500 hectares. The firefighting operation mobilized more than 800 personnel and mobilized a substantial fleet of over 200 units of equipment, including 10 helicopters and a dedicated fire train. The scale of the response underscores the urgency and the regional commitment to protecting both ecosystems and nearby communities.
According to the report, the fire’s localization occurred at 6:32 p.m. within the Abai district, marking a milestone in the suppression campaign and enabling crews to concentrate on preventing spread and facilitating safe access for ground teams.
In a separate note, a separate incident near the village of Novenkoe in the Altai Territory of the Russian Federation was reported on May 22 at 15:25 local time (12:25 Moscow time). The authorities indicate that the fire subsequently spread toward the Kazakh border, advancing into the Semey Forest Reserve, a protected area known for its critical biodiversity and standing timber assets.
The initial planning and safety perimeter for the incident covered roughly 70 hectares, reflecting early assessments before broader fire behavior could be fully evaluated. Local responders worked to establish boundaries, coordinate aviation assets, and implement defensive measures to safeguard vulnerable forest habitats and nearby settlements.
Earlier reports from the TASS agency noted that in Yekaterinburg, residents experienced a notable smoke plume and detected the odor of burning in the surrounding air, highlighting cross-border air quality concerns and the transregional reach of wildfire smoke in the region. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and issue advisories as needed to protect public health and community safety.