Center for Independent Ecological Expertise of RAS, St.Petersburg. Timely methods for forest fire detection include a system of masts equipped with video cameras and lasers for remote sensing of distances up to 20 km. Forest fires can also be detected with gliders, motor gliders, and balloons. Information is provided via the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite network to the Institute of Forestry, St. Petersburg, for operational detection of forest fire sources. Ground marking GT-3 units are used to create mineralized demarcations.
Aviation plays a particularly important role in fighting forest fires.
AN-26P units are used to produce artificial rains. And, AN-32P units supply parachute firefighters to fire areas. Amphibious planes, BE-12P, can be filled up with water while gliding across the surface of a water reservoir. In addition, helicopters, LSVU and MVK-8, are used in the initial phases of fire fighting. Different materials are used depending on climate zones.