Chornobyl zone ablaze after Russian attack: Radiation status update (photos)

Russian drones has sparked new fires in the Exclusion Zone. The new hotspots emerged just one day after the containment of a massive wildfire that had raged for several days.

The State Exclusion Zone Management Agency (SEZMA) reported the escalation.

Russian drones has ignited new blazes

According to the agency, the downing of Russian «Geranium-2» drones on May 14 triggered fires within the Opachytskyi research department of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve.

Units from the «Pivnichna Pushcha» enterprise, Chornobyl Reserve staff, radioactive waste management specialists, «Ecocenter» personnel, and State Emergency Service rescuers were deployed to combat the flames.

Smoke and fallen trees hamper firefighting efforts

The SEZMA noted that the situation remains critical due to heavy smoke, difficult terrain, and fallen trees.
Heavy machinery, bulldozers, and chainsaw crews have been deployed to clear paths to the fire hotspots.
Also, wreckage from the Russian drones was discovered at the crash sites. State Emergency Service pyrotechnic units are currently operating on the scene.

Radiation status

Despite the new fires, the SEZMA assures that radiation levels in the Exclusion Zone remain within the normal range.

«The automated radiation monitoring system has recorded no exceedances of the gamma radiation dose equivalent rate,» the agency stated.

According to available data, radiation readings do not exceed average monthly values.

Threat to the ecosystem

The agency emphasizes that Russian attacks pose a severe danger to the Chornobyl Zone’s unique ecosystem.

«Every new fire is a risk to the forests, wildlife, and territories that have been recovering for decades since the 1986 disaster,» the SEZMA said.