25 Sep 2019 12:51

No confirmation that forests were set on fire to conceal illegal logging - Rosleskhoz

KRASNOYARSK. Sept 25 (Interfax) - The theory that Russian forests were set on fire to conceal illegal logging has not been confirmed by comparison of illegal logging areas and wildfire zones, acting head of the Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleskhoz) Mikhail Klinov said at a conference in Krasnoyarsk on Wednesday.

"We have to say that there is no evidence of arson concealing illegal logging at present, and this theory is baseless," Klinov said.

"Only five cases" of wildfires in illegal logging areas have been observed in Russia this year, he said.

Illegal logging is being fought by intensified patrols and an increase in numbers of inspectors to 23,000, Klinov said.