Georgian national park security service head dies in forest fire

Security service head of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park 43-year-old Ivane Kupradze has died in a forest fire today.

His death was caused by a falling tree Agency of Protected Areas official statement says.

Ivane Kupradze had been working in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park since 2003.

Kupradze was the protagonist of The FLEG II Forest Heroes series short film, in which he talks about a forest ranger’s life and the difficulties he has to overcome to protect nature.

''I have I I been dreaming of becoming a ranger since childhood’’ Ivane Kupradze. Video:The FLEG II Forest Heroes series

The Agency of Protected Areas has expressed deep condolences to his family .

Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze also expressed sorrow over the death of Ivane Kupradze at today’s briefing:

‘’He was a distinguished and truly dedicated ranger who protected the unique nature of Borjomi from poachers at the risk of his own life, I express my condolences to the family of Ivane Kupradze, his relatives, friends and colleagues’’.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident.