Deputy Head of the Department of Rescue Forces of the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations, Colonel Pavel Gyozalyan said that the number of fires in Armenia grew this year: 348 cases were recorded in January-June 2010 against 131 cases during the same period of last year.

Meanwhile, 796 fires were recorded in July 2010 against 167 fires during the same period of last year, Gyozalyan told journalists.

He noted that there were several cases when fires penetrated into Armenia’s territory from Azerbaijan.

“In Vayots Dzor and Tavush regions, fires originated in several places simultaneously, and we believe that these are arsons, as the enemy opens fire in case of Armenia’s attempts aimed at extinguishing fires,” said Gyozalyan, adding that the rescue service had to wait for fire to reach more secure territories to start extinguishing it.

Pavel Gyozalyan believes that this is another way for causing damage to Armenia, while international structures should pay attention to it.

According to the specialist, Aragatsotn, Ararat, Tavush and Gegharkunik regions are the most fire hazardous territories of Armenia.