70 equipment units, 300 ecology ministry employees engaged in firefighting efforts, deputy minister says

The fires have been raging in Azerbaijan's northern districts for already the fifth day, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources said.

He noted that the scale of fire in Shabran, Siyazan, Guba and Khachmaz districts is immense.

"This is due to windy weather. On some days the wind gusts reached 18-22 m/s," the official said.

According to him, 70 pieces of equipment and 300 ministry employees, as well as the personnel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and an amphibia aircraft are engaged in firefighting efforts.

A total of 4,000 hectares are affected, the deputy minister said.