Massive wildfire in Chornobyl zone: Cause revealed

A large-scale fire sparked by a drone crash continues in the Chernobyl zone. As of the morning of May 8, the blaze has consumed approximately 1,100 hectares, the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve reported.

The fire started on May 7 in the Opachychi conservation research area within the nationally protected wildlife reserve known as the «Chornobyl Special» zone. A special emergency response headquarters was set up inside the reserve to coordinate firefighting efforts.

Strong winds and difficult terrain are complicating efforts to contain the blaze. Fire crews from the reserve, departmental emergency units, dosimetry specialists, and rescuers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine have all been deployed to the area, including units from Chornobyl and the Kyiv region.

In total, 327 personnel and 71 vehicles are involved in the operation. Drinking water deliveries have also been organized for firefighters and emergency workers battling the blaze.

«Radiation levels in the fire zone remain within normal limits, ranging from 0.19 to 0.35 microsieverts per hour, ” the reserve said.