Finns advised to remain alert when travelling to northwest Russia

Press release 306/2006
22 August, 2006

Those travelling to northwest Russia are advised to remain alert because of the forest fire situation. However, according to the Russian authorities the situation has become easier, although the air quality is still keeping poor owing to the heavy smoke that continues to billow from extinguished fires. The smoke is now affecting considerably even St. Petersburg.

Northwest Russia continues to be the region that suffers from the fires most. According to the Russian authorities, at present there are four big forest fires in the Northwest, two of them in the Leningrad Oblast and one in the Republic of Karelia. A big fire in the Kingisepp area has been put out. A total of 94 fires rage in the Leningrad Oblast, covering 257 hectares of land. Because of the drought, small fires keep breaking out all the time. In Karelia, there are registered 14 fires, while the number in the Murmansk Oblast is 12. A few fires have been reported also in St. Petersburg.

State of emergency remains in force in Kingisepp and Vyborg rayons. Hiking in forests and open fires are banned also in the Republic of Karelia as well as in the Leningrad and Archangelsk Oblasts.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Emergencies and other Russian authorities, the fire situation is under control, and the fires do not pose any danger for population centres or economic localities.

Major roads between Finland and Russia, such as the road between the boarder crossing of Vaalimaa and St. Petersburg can still be affected by smoke in places, and the smoke can cause breathing problems, but so far the roads remain safe for those travelling by car. According to the forecast, after the showery weather in the beginning of the week heavier rains can be expected only towards the end of the week.

Additional information: Ms Marja Liivala, First Secretary, Unit for Russia tel. 09 1605 5652