Fires have engulfed more than 500 locations in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Whilst firefighters are tackling the blazes, round-the-clock monitoring data has shown that, throughout 29 June, air quality in the Kyiv region did not exceed permissible levels for biological and chemical substances. Radiation levels are also currently within normal limits.
This was reported by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.
The synergy of war and climate
The number of fire hotspots, as recorded by NASA satellites, was tracked by the SaveEcoBot environmental monitoring system.
Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
The emergence of fires is linked to both weather conditions and military activity. According to the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve, there are several causes of fires in the exclusion zone, including the downing of drones, detonation of ammunition, and mines.
Weather conditions only worsen the situation. Due to high air temperatures and lack of precipitation, the fire spreads rapidly over large areas.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that more than 200 people and about 60 units of specialized equipment have been deployed to combat forest fires in the Chornobyl zone. Work is being carried out under extreme conditions, with temperatures exceeding 50°C, along with continuous monitoring of the radiation background.
"To provide access for fire equipment to the centers of ignition, work is being carried out using heavy engineering machinery to clear the roads. Additionally, mineralized strips are being constructed using specialized equipment to contain the spread of fire and prevent it from moving to other areas of the forest massif," added the State Emergency Service.
Potential Hazards and Response Algorithm
Fires cause the emission of combustion products into the atmosphere. Soot, fine particles, and other compounds can provoke allergic reactions, cause respiratory diseases, and generally worsen people's well-being.
If air quality does deteriorate, the Ministry of Economy recommends:
- limiting outdoor activities, especially during periods of heavy smoke;
- not opening windows or doors to prevent pollutants from entering homes or offices;
- drinking plenty of water;
- using a respirator or mask outdoors and an air purifier indoors;
- conducting wet cleaning.
Additionally, the ministry reported that solutions are being developed for the integrated environmental monitoring system, which will include various parameters, including fire outbreaks.
With the onset of dry weather, forest fires periodically break out in various regions of Ukraine. For example, extinguishing fires in the Zhytomyr region took nearly four days. On the northern border with Russia, 2,400 hectares of forest were burning. In the Zakarpattia region, the forest was likely set on fire intentionally. Activists linked this to the construction of wind power stations.
We remind you that significant fines are stipulated for setting dry vegetation on fire – from 3,060 to 6,120 UAH for individuals. If there is significant environmental damage, additional compensation will be required. Imprisonment is also possible.
