TNK-BP is helping EMERCOM to eliminate large forest fires in Uvat district in West Siberia

As of 1 August, with the participation of TNK-Uvat, 2 large fires have been eliminated and 2 fire outbreaks have been localised, and no longer pose a threat to TNK-BP’s oilpipes and oilfields.

The state-funded parachute firefighting service “Tyumen airbase”, the Department of Forestry, EMERCOM, TNK-Uvat and contracting services joined forces to battle the elements. One of the largest fires in the Uvat region had been blazing since 21 July in the Ust-Tegusskoe field region. 4 crews of more than 80 people were involved in putting the fire out; they were taken to the “line of fire” with special equipment by helicopter.

Currently three localised fires remain in Uvat. TNK-Uvat is taking part in putting two of them out. All the others have been eliminated.

Since the beginning of April, 87 fire outbreaks have been registered in the Uvat district – almost double that of last year. “The reason for the fires is this summer’s weather anomaly – dry thunder,” explained Yuri Masalkin, General Director of TNK-Uvat. “Our staff are doing everything possible to help EMERCOM and the forest protection services to eliminate the fire outbreaks’ focal points and minimise the damage that the flames do to the flora and fauna.”