Estonia will be sending Russia equipment to help put out the extensive wildfires in the country after Russia decided to accept the offer from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet says it is only natural for neighbours to assist one another in a crisis. "Russia is facing an extensive disaster and the primary issue here is not whether or not the countries have signed a rescue treaty. Estonia offered to assist Russia to the best of its ability in efforts to extinguish the forest fires and Russia has accepted the assistance. Paet expressed the hope that the forest fires can be put as soon as possible and no further people would have to lose their lives or their homes.
Estonia is sending Russia four pumps and 10 kilometres of fire hoses, including connectors and other fittings to allow water to be supplied to the fire zone. Two Rescue Board instructors will accompany the delivery of the aid, providing instructions for the use of the equipment and formally handing it over to the Russian Emergencies Ministry.
Due to the most extensive wildfires in Russia's recent history the president of the country has declared emergency situations in several regions, restricting the movement of people and economic activity. About 100 forest fires were still burning on an area of close to 190,000 hectares in Russia. Thousands of people have lost their homes in the fires and tens of thousands of hectares of woods and grain fields have been destroyed. Over 50 people have been killed in the fires, which have burned for weeks.
A total of nearly 1.5 million kroons (almost 100,000 euros) will be provided from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs budget to finance the Estonian aid being sent to the forest fire front.
