A large forest fire continues to burn in Kazakhstan's Abai Region, prompting the deployment of firefighting aircraft and the evacuation of 233 people, including children from a summer camp.

The blaze broke out in the Borodulikha branch of the Semey Ormany State Forest Nature Reserve, with emergency crews working around the clock to contain the fire, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

Firefighters, forest rangers, specialized equipment, and aviation units have been mobilized as authorities intensify efforts to bring the blaze under control. Officials at the reserve said containment operations are ongoing and the situation remains under close monitoring.

As a precaution, 164 children and 19 staff members from the DosbolLike children's camp, along with 49 residents from the outskirts of Kamyshenka village, were safely evacuated. Police have cordoned off the affected area, closed access roads, and ensured emergency vehicles can reach the fire zone without obstruction.

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations has dispatched additional personnel from the Abai, East Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar regions, as well as Astana, while teams from the Semey Ormany and Ertis Ormany forest reserves have joined the response.

Preliminary estimates put the fire at around 60 hectares. Firefighting aircraft have already carried out 81 water drops, releasing a total of 89 tons of water in an effort to slow the spread of the flames.