Large-scale forest fire breaks out in Zakarpattia: aviation and rescuers from other regions engaged

In Zakarpattia, since yesterday, May 5, rescue workers have been trying to extinguish a large-scale forest fire that has spread across 75 hectares, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine's press office.

"Firefighting operations are ongoing in a forest area in the Mukachevo District. As of 8:00 a.m. on May 6, firefighters and foresters continue to battle the forest fire in the Verkhnii Volovets Forestry. The area affected by the fire is approximately 75 hectares," the statement reads.

A total of 243 people and 46 pieces of equipment are involved in the firefighting efforts, including 138 rescuers and 36 pieces of equipment from the State Emergency Service. Colleagues from the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk Regions have arrived to assist the Zakarpattia rescuers.

They plan to again deploy State Emergency Service aircraft to fight the fire — a firefighting plane was already in operation the day before.

A criminal investigation has been opened regarding the fire. Law enforcement officials will determine the causes and circumstances of the fire.

The preliminary legal classification is Part 2 of Article 245 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (destruction or damage to flora, resulting in serious consequences).

As a reminder, a forest fire in the Kharkiv Region engulfed residential buildings.