Special tactical training on the topic “Implementation of extinguishing works of large fires in forest areas” was organized in the Khosrov reserve. The purpose of the training was to improve the practical skills of the forces responding to large forest fires in firefighting and rescue operations, to improve the harmonious work of the forces responding to large forest fires.

The Ministry of Emergencies of the Republic of Armenia, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets ​​(FPWC), the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, as well as the volunteers of the enlarged Vedi community and Urtsadzor community participated in the training. The event was attended by the RA Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan, the RA Minister of the Environment Hakob Simidyan, the Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets ​​Ruben Khachatryan, as well as the experts of the US Forestry Service who are actively working in Armenia these days.

According to the script, the employees of the Foundation notice through the filming camera that a fire broke out in the Aghsu reserve of the Khachadzor section of the “Khosrov Forest State Reserve”. The alarm about the fire is transmitted to EMS 911 and the employees of the Reserve, and the training begins.

RA Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan emphasized that the purpose of the training was to carry out firefighting operations.

“This training was of a preparatory nature. And for the first time, a helicopter was used, and we realized that it was quite effective. We are further improving our technical means, an update will take place,” he noted.

“This is a very important event that should be repeated regularly. We need to conduct regular capacity building so that we can deal with wildfires in case of possible incidents. As a result of climate change, we notice from year to year that such cases are inevitable. After 2017, the increase in professional tools is extremely visible, and if we can replenish our technical bases with the help of our international partners, then we will be able to face such situations in difficult times,” – the Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets ​​Ruben Khachatryan noted.

The participants highly appreciated the performed works and the importance of the training.