Emergency declared as forest fires force 5,000 to flee resorts

Five thousand people had to be evacuated from six resorts in the Krasnodar Territory due to the massive forest fires raging around Novorossiysk. "People fled to the sea; there was no other escape route. The fire blocked the roads," reported the media.

Rescuers managed to control the situation after more than a day. Currently, firefighting efforts are ongoing. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that all fire hotspots at the camping sites have been eliminated.

Five helicopters and an airplane were used to extinguish the flames. Five thousand people were evacuated, and two people were injured. "People fled to the sea; there was no other way to escape, as the roads were blocked by the fire," writes First Channel.

The fire broke out on July 14. Firefighters are still working in many places, but there is no longer a threat to the population. According to the Ural56 channel, the blaze damaged approximately 70 buildings. A state of emergency has been declared in Novorossiysk.

The fire reached the village of Abrau-Diurso, among other areas. It threatened a facility, seven hotels, and entertainment complexes, from stables to a yacht club. Additionally, it endangered 16 restaurants and 1,000 hectares of vineyards. Heat and strong winds hindered firefighters' efforts.

Currently, 314 firefighters and 84 units of special equipment are participating in extinguishing the fires. An Il-76 plane and five K-32 helicopters from the Ministry of Emergency Situations were additionally dispatched.

At least 4,500 tourists are stuck in a traffic jam at the entrance to the Crimean Bridge from the Taman side. Many initially headed for Novorossiysk and Anapa, learned about the fire, turned back, and now headed toward the peninsula.

The waiting time could be as long as 7 hours.