Azerbaijan offers Russia extra aid to fight raging fires
BAKU - Azerbaijan has offered Russia additional assistance in extinguishing raging forest fires, but the aid will not be used for the time being due to a complicated situation in Europe, a Russian emergencies ministry official said Monday.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations is ready to send a group of 120 rescue workers to the neighboring country, Yuri Brazhnikov, who oversees the ministry’s department in charge of international aid, was quoted by Russian RIA Novosti news agency as saying.
"The south of Europe has now caught fire, firefighters in Portugal are working very hard, and urgent measures are needed there as well. Fire-hazardous situation is emerging across southern Europe. We therefore believe that we currently have optimal forces in action, so we are holding the helping forces that other countries are offering us as back-up," Brazhnikov said.
Fires caused by scorching heat in Russia are raging in 17 regions of the country. A state of emergency has been declared in seven Russian regions, according to a presidential decree.
Azerbaijan has sent in two helicopters along with rescue personnel to assist firefighting efforts.
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