Environmental agency warns of high temperature, increased risks of forest fires

The National Environment Agency of Georgia said on Monday that hot and mostly dry weather will be maintained across Georgia until August 28.

“The air temperature is expected to be within 35, 40 degrees in western Georgia, 32, 37 degrees in coastal areas, 31, 36 degrees in eastern Georgia”, said the agency. 

“Along with the high air temperature, a strong wind is expected on the Kolkheti plain, in Imereti, in the Black Sea coastal areas, in the Gori-Surami section of central Georgia, and in some areas of the mountainous regions, which will further increase the risk of forest fires,” the National Environment Agency said.

Almost 600 employees of the Emergency Management Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, as well as the country’s defence forces, are now combating fire in Borjomi municipality of central-western Georgia with four helicopters and more than 50 fire engines. 

It has been reported earlier on Monday that the fiere which erupted on August 19 has been contained and there were “no threats” to nearby settlements.