In the last 24 hours alone, 14 fires have broken out in Ukrainian forests managed by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”. The causes include strikes by Russian drones and deliberate arson. However, the persistently high temperatures in Ukraine threaten to cause the fires to spread. As a result, visiting forests is prohibited in virtually all regions.
This was reported by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”.
For the next three days, the fire risk in Ukraine will remain at an extremely high level. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre forecasts that daytime temperatures will reach 35–38°C across virtually the entire country.
Source: State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”
Causes of recent fires
In one day, fire affected 12.3 ha of forests. The outbreaks were caused by various factors. For instance, foresters blame enemy drone strikes for the fires in Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv regions.
However, there was also deliberate arson. Six fires, which broke out almost simultaneously in the Sukholevskyi Forestry in Kyiv region, were linked to arson.
The remaining incidents are most likely related to human factors. For example, the fire in Cherkasy region was caused by careless handling of fire.
Heightened alert mode
Ukrainian foresters are taking every possible measure to respond to emergencies in a timely manner, and ideally, to prevent fires from occurring at all.
- strengthening round-the-clock monitoring and uninterrupted standby shifts;
- blocking forest entrances with barriers;
- increasing joint patrols with the National Police and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU).
“We urge citizens to refrain from visiting forest areas in the near future! Choose specially equipped recreation sites called 'Lisovychok' for outdoor activities. There are more than 1,100 locations across the country, providing all the necessary conditions for safe and comfortable recreation,” emphasize the “Forests of Ukraine.”
EcoPolitic recalls that in Ukraine setting fire to dry vegetation is punishable by fines: up to 6,120 UAH for private citizens and up to 21,420 UAH for officials.
