A massive forest fire that broke out a week ago in Georgia’s Borjomi Gorge has been largely extinguished, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said last night.

Kvirikashvili said the fire has been extinguished at all the hot spots; however, he said other minor locations will be dealt with in the coming days.

Photo: PM's press office.

Thanking everyone who contributed to firefighting process, Kvirikashvili said these people have managed "to save the wealth and beauty of our amazing forest".

I want to thank you for your devotion and heroism. I am proud that our country has such brave men”, Kvirikashvili addressed everyone engaged in firefighting operation.

Several thousands of people have been engaged in the firefighting operation that started last Sundayincluding:

• 1,000 soldiers from the Eastern Command of the Georgian Armed Forces,
• 1,500 Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani firefighters, rescuers and rangers,
• 650 representatives of the Georgian Interior Ministry’s special tasks groups
• 900 emergency servicemen and doctors.

Moreover, 9 Georgian, Azerbaijani, Turkish and Belarus helicopters have been battling the blaze.

Photo: PM's press office.

The special headquarters that was set up upon the Prime Minister’s order to handle the disaster remains in the gorge will follow the developments.

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