Armenia wildfire continues to burn despite major response

Firefighters in Armenia are struggling to contain a large wildfire in an area between the villages of Chambarak and Ttujur, authorities said on Monday.

As of 11 a.m. local time, the blaze remained active despite an intensive operation involving 343 rescue personnel, six fire-service vehicles, a Defense Ministry helicopter and drones. In total, 1,194 rescuers, 16 main units of machinery and 88 auxiliary vehicles have been deployed to the site since the fire broke out on 21 November. The military helicopter has carried out 23 reconnaissance and water-drop flights.

The blaze, which started on a mountainside covered with dry grass, prompted a large multi-regional response. Units from Yerevan and nine provinces, along with specialized rescue teams, have been involved. Two fire hotspots have been extinguished.

A field command post has been set up to coordinate operations. Police officers, environmental inspectors and residents of nearby villages are also involved in firefighting efforts.