Criminal Case Opened Over Fire in Aqjayiq Nature Reserve

Atyrau, June 18 – Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the large fire that has been burning for several days in the Aqjayiq State Nature Reserve, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Atyrau city police department, a case was opened on June 17 under Article 203 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan — "Intentional damage, destruction, or arson of natural complexes."

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, investigations must be completed within two months, though the timeline can be extended with the prosecutor’s approval if the case is deemed complex. Officials say it is unlikely that those responsible will be identified in the short term.

The fire has been raging for five days. As of yesterday, flames and hotspots spanning 1,510 hectares had been localized, though smoldering remains in patches of reed vegetation persist.

About 150 people and 50 pieces of equipment have been deployed to fight the fire — including staff from the Emergency Situations Department, Aqjayiq Reserve employees, forestry units, and local service providers,
the Atyrau regional administration reported. 

The total burned area expanded by another 400 hectares due to strong winds at one point.

At the direction of the emergency operations headquarters, the firefighting effort includes resources from the Emergency Ministry, the reserve’s staff, forestry units, and contractors. More than 120 personnel and around 30 vehicles are currently involved,
 officials added.

Smoldering continues in some areas, typical for peatland and swamp terrain, where subsurface fires can linger and reignite.

Vulnerable sections are now under round-the-clock monitoring. The situation is being tracked both by air and on the ground,
the regional administration said. 

To ensure transparency and keep the public informed, authorities have launched a live video stream from observation towers.

According to the latest data, the total area affected by the fire is estimated at 805 hectares.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov