On arriving in the Kurgan region, Sergei Shoigu examined the situation in the forests and made the above-mentioned decision, a spokesman for the Emergencies Ministry reported.
According to him, two Mi-26 helicopters are ready to fly to the Kurgan region from Moscow and Vladimir. A Mi-26 helicopter already flew to the region from Krasnoyarsk. An Il-76 flying tanker is in reserve in Ramesnkoye (the Moscow region).
"These machines are equipped with special dispensing facilities. A Mi-26 helicopter can discharge up to 15 tons of water at once and Il-76 aircraft - over 30 tons," said RIA Novosti's interlocutor.
Rescuers from Yekaterinburg and Pervouralsk and servicemen of the Defense Ministry are also involved in fire-fighting.
According to the latest information, seven people died in forest fires. Over 600 people were evacuated from the dangerous area.
News is coming on the spread of forest fires over the neighboring Sverdlovsk region (Central Urals).
