In the Polesie Nature Reserve (Zhytomyr region), extinguishing a forest fire that broke out on May 8 continues. The State Service of Ukraine for Emergency Situations announced this on Facebook on May 10.
As Suspilna reported, the first fires in this area were recorded on May 3 in the Slovechansky forest district. At first, the fire was local – over an area of several tens of hectares, and some of the fires were localized, although smoldering areas remained.
On May 6, a new fire broke out in the Garas tract. It was he who became the main one – due to the dense and overgrown forest, dry vegetation and strong wind, the fire began to spread quickly.
On May 7, the situation became sharply more complicated: the fire was initially stopped at the border of the reserve, but in the evening the wind fanned the flames again, and the fire penetrated deep into the territory of the Polesie Nature Reserve. At night the fire became widespread.
At the same time, part of the territory turned out to be mined, so rescuers additionally called in pyrotechnicians to ensure safe access.
On May 8, the fire was localized, that is, its active spread was stopped, but it could not be completely extinguished.
The total area of the fire was approximately 500 hectares. As of 19.00 on May 10, the fire area had decreased to approximately 300 hectares, the State Emergency Service noted.
“The spread of the fire has not been recorded; there is smoldering of dead wood and forest litter. Rescuers are patrolling the area, extinguishing individual outbreaks and monitoring the situation using UAVs. Roads are also being cleared and mineralized strips are being laid. The situation is under control, work continues,” the message says.
