Russia's Volga region races to stop wildfires before 2026 season

Authorities in the Volga Federal District are stepping up efforts to prevent wildfires ahead of the 2026 season. A federal review will assess the region's readiness, while inspections and public education campaigns are already underway. The push comes after human activity caused over half of last year's fires in the area.

The Nizhny Novgorod region has launched a fire safety drive as part of the nationwide Stop the Fire! campaign. Led by the regional Ministry of Forestry, the initiative includes school lessons, community meetings, and informational materials. The goal is to eliminate wildfires through public awareness.

Inspections are currently examining fire stations and equipment. In Nizhny Novgorod alone, 127 forest fire watchtowers have undergone thorough checks. These measures follow findings that more than 50% of last season's wildfires resulted from human actions. Stricter penalties are also in place for violations during high-risk periods. Individuals now face fines up to 50,000 rubles, while officials could pay 90,000 rubles. Legal entities risk penalties of up to 1 million rubles for breaching fire safety rules.

The campaign combines education, inspections, and tougher fines to cut wildfire risks. With federal and regional teams working together, the focus remains on preventing fires before they start. Authorities have set a clear target: no wildfires in the 2026 season.