According to the forecast from the National Hydrometeorological Service, hot, dry, and windy weather conditions are expected to persist across Azerbaijan in the coming days, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires in forests and other natural areas.
As reported by the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR) has issued an official warning regarding these elevated risks.
The Ministry emphasized that forest fires cause severe damage to vegetation, destroy wildlife habitats, degrade fertile soil layers, and disrupt ecological balance. Officials noted that the restoration of ecosystems damaged by fire can take many years, if not decades.
To mitigate these risks, the Ministry has issued strict guidelines for the public. Citizens are urged to refrain from lighting fires in or near forest areas, avoid discarding unextinguished cigarette butts, and refrain from burning dry grass, brushwood, or household waste. Furthermore, the public is advised against leaving glass or other reflective waste in nature, as these items can act as magnifying lenses and ignite dry vegetation.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources stressed that even minor negligence can lead to large-scale fires, resulting in the destruction of flora and fauna and long-term environmental damage. Citizens are requested to immediately report any signs of smoke or fire to the relevant authorities. In Azerbaijan, the summer months often bring high temperatures, making fire safety a critical priority for the protection of the country's biodiversity and natural resources.
