Neoliberal “Economy” of Forest Fires through the Prism of Soviet Historical Experience
Forest fires pose an enormous socio-economic and ecological hazard. This is particularly the case in Eastern Siberia, where 75 % of Russia's boreal forest reserves are concentrated. Forest fires in this region cause enormous economic losses for the country each year. At the same time, they have an extremely negative impact on forest ecosystems. From this perspective, the study of modern forest fire suppression practices using the historical and comparative analysis methods is of current scientific interest. The aim of the study is to identify the reasons for the decline in the resource base that can provide effective containment of forest fires. The author’s search for an answer to the main research question is based on a summary of forest fire suppression practices in Eastern Siberia in 2019. The main sources are normative legal acts regulating state activities in this sphere. The author suggests possible ways of neutralizing this threat drawing on the Soviet experience of fighting forest fires and the use of modern technological advances. The study leads to the conclusion that government entities, within the constraints of the current forest fire management practices, are unable to effectively ensure the safety of forest areas, of the ecological structure and human health in the area of large forest fires.