Day 4 in Borjomi Gorge: Fire backs off, still far from being put out

Six helicopters and one large firefighting aircraft have resumed extinguishing work at 6 a.m. this morning in Georgia’s Borjomi Gorge where a wildfire broke out four days ago.

The aircraft was sent by Turkey together with two helicopters.

We deeply appreciate the support and help from #Turkey in fighting the #Borjomi forest fire.

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) August 22, 2017

One helicopter was sent by Azerbaijan together with 95 firefighters who will soon join Georgian firefighters.

Thanks to support from #Azerbaijan there are improvements in fighting the #Borjomi forest fire. All necessary works are being carried out. pic.twitter.com/tHhwXOlZkD

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) August 22, 2017

Several fire engines and up to 70 firefighters were sent by Armenia and they will join the others soon too.

Thanks #Armenia for sending heavy equipment and rescue team to fight the #Borjomi forest fire pic.twitter.com/ZCRGYVRrOB

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) August 23, 2017

One of the six helicopters that are currently working is a Belarusian helicopter that was sent to help Georgia fight the fire yesterday. The helicopter, Mi-26, is the world's best line production helicopter in terms of load capacity. It can carry 15 tonnes of water at a time.

Photo by PM's press office.

The special headquarters that was set up upon the Prime Minister’s order to handle the disaster said this morning that the fire has stopped spreading, its area has been reduced, but several hot spots still remain.

Aerial resources could not be used to combat the wildfire during night hours but fire engines and firefighters have been working throughout the night and are still continuing extinguishing efforts.

Authorities said that the danger of the fire spreading to nearby settlements has been removed.

Photo by PM's press office.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili arrived to Borjomi this morning to join Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers who have been staying in the area for the past couple of days to personally monitor the situation.

Apart from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Armenia and Belarus, Germany, Romania, Greece and Israel are also ready to help Georgia if needed.

Photo by PM's press office.

A separate wildfire in Ateni Gorge

A massive forest fire broke out in Ateni Gorge in the Shida Kartli region as well last night. As the fire was intense, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili made a decision to use the Armed Forces to handle the disaster.

About 250 servicemen have been working in the Gorge all night, which resulted in the "full liquidation” of the fire by morning.

Several dozens of soldiers will stay in the Gorge for the next two days to monitor the situation.