Ukraine: Chernobyl wildfire expands beyond 1,100 hectares PHOTO

A forest blaze in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine’s Kyiv region has burned through more than 1,100 hectares of forest, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES).

Officials said strong winds were driving the flames rapidly across woodland, allowing the fire to spread into new forest compartments.

“The situation is being complicated by dry weather, strong gusts of wind and the presence of landmines in certain areas, which significantly limits firefighting operations,” the SES said.

According to the service, some sections of the forest remain inaccessible due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, forcing emergency crews to suspend operations in those zones.

Firefighting teams from the SES, supported by specialised equipment and other emergency services, have been deployed to the area. Crews are working in reinforced shifts to contain the blaze and prevent further spread.

Efforts to bring the fire under control are continuing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev