New Fire Source Discovered Near Zoravan Cemetery Leading to Mount Ara

On August 20, at 09:16, the emergency hotline received a report of a grass fire near a sand quarry at the foot of Mount Ara in the Kotayk region.

Two operational groups from the Ministry of Emergency Situations' regional rescue department and two firefighting teams were dispatched to the scene. As of 18:30, approximately 150 hectares of grassland are burning in the area.

By 23:20, six operational groups from the ministry and seven firefighting teams were actively engaged in firefighting efforts, alongside two special rescue teams from the central rescue operations. In total, 82 firefighters are working, with local residents from Saralanj village (15), Ara village (30), Zoravan village (20), and Yeghvard city (15) joining the efforts, along with 20 residents from nearby villages in Aragatsotn region and 18 forestry workers.

The fire was contained by 02:15. Approximately 1,300 hectares of grassland are burning in the Kotayk region and 500 hectares in the Aragatsotn region.

At 09:50, a new fire source was discovered near Zoravan cemetery on the route to Mount Ara.

Further information will be provided.