Two helicopters battle 15-hectare fire in Uralsk's Khanskaya Roshcha as smoke and ash engulf city

July 27, 2026 at 09:22 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A 15-hectare forest fire broke out in Khanskaya Roshcha in Uralsk on July 27, sending thick smoke and ash across the city. Two helicopters, including one from Atyrau, have been deployed to battle the blaze alongside over 100 firefighters and 20 vehicles. The fire, reportedly caused by a fallen power line, spread rapidly amid extreme heat of 38–40°C and strong winds.

The Fire

The fire was reported at 13:35 on July 27 in the Khanskaya Roshcha forest park area, according to the West Kazakhstan territorial inspection of forestry and wildlife. Preliminary findings point to a fallen power line support and subsequent short circuit as the cause, Kazinform reported. Dense smoke enveloped central Uralsk, the Zashaghan settlement, and nearby bridges, while falling ash alarmed residents, Informburo.kz and Orda.kz noted. A local woman told "My City" media that ash settled on her balcony and the smell of smoke made breathing difficult.

Emergency Response

Two helicopters — one from Atyrau and another from the village of Chapaev in Akzhaik district — were dispatched to aid in extinguishing the flames. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources stated that active efforts to localize and eliminate the fire are underway, involving forces from forestry enterprises, the state forest guard, and the regional emergencies department. By around 21:00, the regional akimat confirmed the fire had been localized, with over 100 personnel, 20 vehicles, and a helicopter from Kazaviaspas taking part.

Regional Fire Situation

The blaze erupted as a heatwave gripped West Kazakhstan region, with temperatures in Uralsk reaching 38–40°C and strong morning winds accelerating the fire's spread. Orda.kz reported that five forest fires were registered across Kazakhstan on July 27 — two in Akmola region, two in West Kazakhstan, and one in East Kazakhstan — with the others having been extinguished. The incident follows a large forest fire in the Abai region days earlier.