Since the beginning of 2026, 2,070 fires have broken out in Ukraine’s forests, steppes, and plantations. The fires have burned more than 93,000 hectares of land. Emergency responders are urging Ukrainians not to burn dry vegetation, as fire is harmful not only to nature but also to their safety and even their lives.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, over the past 24 hours alone, emergency responders worked to contain 348 fires that engulfed nearly 222 hectares of land.
Ivano-Frankivsk Region
In the region, 32 fires broke out in ecosystems in just one day. Firefighters extinguished flames across an area of 1.4 hectares. During this same period, seven residents were held administratively liable.
Rescue workers are closely monitoring the situation in the region, using drones to promptly detect fires in forests near tourist routes and popular recreational areas. At the same time, the State Emergency Service is conducting preventive outreach with the public and identifying those responsible for burning dry vegetation.
Source: dsns.gov.ua
Zhytomyr region
Here, the desire to tidy up by barbaric means led to hospitalization. A resident of Studenytsia village was burning dry grass near her home and suffered burns to her legs and arms.
According to the previous day's data, 18 fires caused by burning dry vegetation occurred in the region, with the fire having burned over 7 ha of land.
Source: dsns.gov.ua
“In case of fire, do not attempt to extinguish it on your own if it poses a threat to your life and health. In the event of any emergency, you must immediately contact the Rescue Service at 101,” emphasize the State Emergency Service.
EcoPolitic reported that for burning dry grass, leaves, or branches you could face a fine of more than 6,000 UAH. If the fire causes significant damage, the offender may become a suspect in a criminal case.
Usually, just a small gust of wind is enough for the fire to get out of control and burn ecosystems or nearby buildings and structures.
