Press releases, 9.8.2010

Finland contacted the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations

9 August 2010
Press release
 

Yesterday on Sunday 8 August the Finnish Embassy in Moscow approached the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations about the forest and wildfires in Russia.

The Finnish Embassy expressed Finland’s readiness to follow the situation and asked if there was a need for possible additional assistance. Finland has however limited capacity to provide assistance because we do not have heavy aerial firefighting equipment, and resources are also needed here in Finland due to the forest fire danger resulting from storm damage and heatwave.

Forest fires are also followed closely in Finland’s neighbouring areas, for example by a satellite alarm system. Forecasts and observations made by the Finnish Meteorological Institute provide us with information on the spread of smoke from the forest fires. The rescue authorities of both countries can cooperate near the border, where appropriate, on the basis of the neighbouring area agreements.
 




 Authorities cooperate in following the forest fire situation
 

As a result of the forest and wildfires in Russia, the Finnish Ministry of the Interior has established a cooperation network together with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to follow how the forest fires develop. The network consists of members of staff from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk and authorities here in Finland.

The websites of the Finnish diplomatic missions in Russia provide information on the situation and possible health risks posed by the smoke in particularly to risk groups. The Finnish missions are in contact with the Finns living in Russia if necessary.

For further information, please contact State Secretary Antti Pelttari, +358 50 357 7194, or Director-General for Rescue Services Pentti Partanen, +358 50 456 0002



 
forest fires