An exercise involving Russian and Chinese rescuers and firefighters began on Wednesday in the Far Eastern Russian village of Rovnoe, a local emergencies service spokesman said, reported RIA Novosti.
The exercises are designed to improve responses to large-scale blazes in non-urban areas. "The exercise involves some 300 people, 60 vehicles and aircraft, including an An-2 plane and a helicopter, as well as fire engines from Russia and China," he said. The drill includes the practicing of measures to stop blazes spreading, putting out house fires, and rescue work. During the exercise, a parachute unit will land in the area to tackle the 'blaze.'