Large-scale fire breaks out in Chornobyl zone: fire covers more than 1100 hectares

Firefighters are continuing to battle a large-scale wildfire in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. According to rescue workers, the fire has already spread over 1,100 hectares, and strong winds continue to drive the flames into new areas of the forest.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that the situation remains difficult due to dry weather, gusty winds, and the danger of landmines in certain areas.

"Due to strong gusts of wind, the fire is rapidly spreading across the area, engulfing new sections of the forest. The estimated area of the fire is already over 1,100 hectares," the Service said in a statement.

Rescuers note that some operations had to be temporarily suspended due to the risk of explosive devices in the forest areas.

"Work has been temporarily suspended in some forest areas due to the threat of explosive devices," the State Emergency Service added.

Special equipment, State Emergency Service units, and other services have been deployed to extinguish the fire. Firefighting operations are ongoing.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, meanwhile, a large-scale forest fire broke out in Zakarpattia: aircraft and rescue workers from other regions were deployed.

Also, dry grass caught fire in the Lviv Region: 20 beehives were destroyed.