A Ka-32A helicopter, sent to Georgia by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, has joined the operation to put out the ongoing forest fires in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

Axar.az reports citing the ministry's press service.

Under the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry of Emergency Situations sent a specially equipped helicopter to Georgia on Aug. 30 to assist in extinguishing the forest fires in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

The fire has already affected around 5 hectares in the resort area of Abastumani. Pieces of equipment and one helicopter are involved in firefighting efforts by the Georgian government. Strong wind makes it difficult to put out the fire.

A fire broke out in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park of Georgia a few days ago. Under the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry of Emergency Situations sent 22 units, including one helicopter and 131 personnel to Georgia to assist in extinguishing the forest fires. Moreover, two helicopters and a 6-member crew of Azerbaijan’s State Border Service are involved in fire-fighting efforts in the disaster zone.