Nizhny Novgorod ramps up wildfire prevention ahead of 2026 season

The Nizhny Novgorod region is stepping up efforts to prevent wildfires ahead of the 2026 season. Authorities have launched a federal review to assess preparedness, inspecting 128 forest fire stations across the area. The campaign includes public education and stricter penalties for fire safety violations.

Inspections are now underway as part of the Volga Federal District's forestry department review. Officials are examining equipment, staff training, and response plans at each of the 128 fire watch stations. The goal is to ensure full readiness before the 2026 wildfire season begins.

Alongside checks, the region has joined the *Stop the Fire!* campaign to cut down on human-caused blazes. Last year, over half of all wildfires in the area were linked to careless behaviour, such as unattended campfires or discarded cigarettes. To tackle this, schools will hold lessons, communities will host meetings, and local media will share safety tips. Penalties for breaking fire safety rules during high-risk periods have also been tightened. Individuals now face fines up to 50,000 rubles, while officials could pay 90,000 rubles. Legal entities, such as companies, risk fines of up to 1 million rubles if found responsible for violations.

The combined efforts aim to eliminate wildfires by raising ecological awareness and enforcing stricter controls. With inspections ongoing and public education expanding, authorities hope to see a significant drop in fire incidents by 2026. The campaign's success will depend on both enforcement and community cooperation.