East Kazakhstan has declared the highest level of fire danger after weeks of scorching heat and virtually no rainfall, raising fears of large-scale wildfires across the region.

Authorities have placed the region under Class 5 fire danger, the maximum risk category, as extreme weather conditions continue to fuel fire outbreaks. Over the past week alone, four forest fires were reported, with firefighters still battling a blaze in the West Altai State Reserve near Ridder, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

Additional fires were recorded in Ust-Kamenogorsk, the Samara forestry area, and near the Bukhtarma Reservoir. One of the largest incidents burned 13 hectares close to the Ayuda recreation zone.

Murat Kussainov, head of the regional department for natural resources and environmental management, said that East Kazakhstan has endured nearly three weeks of hot and dry weather. Forecasts indicate temperatures could climb even higher, with some areas expected to face extreme heat approaching 50°C in July.

Experts warn that under such conditions, even a single spark could ignite a devastating wildfire, particularly in the region’s vast coniferous forests.

Since the start of the fire season, East Kazakhstan has recorded 15 forest fires and 38 steppe fires. Ten of the forest fires occurred in forestry zones, while five broke out in protected natural areas, including four in the Katon-Karagay National Park and one in the West Altai Reserve.

Firefighting teams remain on high alert and are working around the clock to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread.

East Kazakhstan is home to nearly half of Kazakhstan’s coniferous forests, making fire prevention a top priority. Residents and tourists are being urged to follow safety regulations, avoid open flames, and never leave campfires unattended.