Tengrinews.kz — Residents of the Akmola region have reported a massive wildfire near the village of Bogenbay, located approximately 40 kilometers from Stepnogorsk. The regional Department of Emergency Situations (DES) provided an update on the situation.
What happened
The editorial office was contacted by Tengrinews.kz residents of the Akmola region who described a major wildfire in the Bogenbay village area. According to witnesses, thick smoke from the blaze was visible from dozens of kilometers away.
"There was a severe fire near Bogenbay; the air was even unbreathable in the city. This village is 40 kilometers from Stepnogorsk, where I lived for 20 years since childhood. Residents say that even in the city, there's nothing to breathe right now," one woman shared.
According to eyewitnesses, firefighters from several nearby settlements were deployed to combat the blaze. Residents also noted that the fire raged throughout the night, with approximately 70 people involved in the initial containment efforts.
Screenshot from a reader's video
200 personnel and 30 units of equipment deployed to the scene
The Stepnogorsk regional administration (akimats) reported that the fire broke out on July 14 following several lightning strikes. According to authorities, dry vegetation ignited simultaneously in several locations within the Bogenbay rural district.
"Personnel and equipment from the DES, military unit 55209 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, local executive bodies, enterprises including Stepnogorsk Pipe Plant (STPZ) and SSAP LLP, non-state fire services, and 'Auyl Qutqarushylary' units are working on-site—totaling about 200 people and 30 units of equipment. Two helicopters from Kazaviaspas and Kazavialesookhrana are also involved. No threat to residential areas has been allowed. There are no casualties or injuries," the regional administration's press service stated.
Furthermore, the administration clarified that no evacuations are being conducted, as there is currently no threat to the settlements.
10 fire cases reported within 24 hours
The Akmola Region Department of Emergency Situations reported that 10 instances of dry grass fires were registered across four districts and the city of Stepnogorsk in the last 24 hours alone.
"A Category 4 fire hazard is currently in effect across the Akmola region. Yesterday, there were numerous lightning discharges which led to the ignition of dry vegetation. Fires were recorded in the Akkol, Astrakhan, Burabay, and Ereymentau districts, as well as Stepnogorsk. Eight out of the ten fires have already been extinguished; we are currently continuing to fight the vegetation fire in the Stepnogorsk area," the department reported.
The DES also refuted social media reports claiming that the fire had reached residential areas. According to the department, the fire was successfully halted, and no homes were damaged.
"Information appeared on social media yesterday claiming the fire was approaching three settlements. This is inaccurate. The fire was stopped and did not reach the residential areas. No residential structures were damaged. At this moment, the threat has been completely neutralized."
The DES specifically addressed the situation near the village of Bogenbay reported by residents. According to the department, while the fire did break out near the village, there is no longer any danger to the settlement.
"The fire was approximately 4-5 kilometers from Bogenbay, but it is no longer there. The fire near the settlement has been extinguished, and not a single house was damaged. People were frightened because the fire occurred at night—flames and smoke appear much closer in the dark. While the fire is still being fought elsewhere, it will not reach the village again," the department added.
The DES also stated that the exact area affected will be determined once the fire is fully liquidated. Meanwhile, experts are not ruling out human factors as a potential cause.
"The primary cause of these fires is lightning strikes. However, we are already recording cases caused by human negligence: unextinguished cigarette butts, matches, and other ignition sources. Therefore, we ask residents to observe safety protocols and, upon discovering a fire, call 101 or 112 immediately rather than filming videos for social media," the press service added.