Forest Fires Across Ukraine
Emergency crews and forestry workers have successfully contained two separate forest fires in Ukraine’s western and northern regions. Although no active flames remain, crews are still working to extinguish lingering hotspots. The fires broke out in Zakarpattia, where roughly 75 hectares were damaged, and in Rivne region, where the burn area expanded to 90 hectares.
In Zakarpattia, the situation remains under control thanks to a deployment of 217 personnel. Firefighting efforts include aircraft from the State Emergency Service (DSNS), along with reinforcements from Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, which contributed 59 rescuers and 14 pieces of equipment. No settlements in Zakarpattia are currently threatened, but teams continue to address the fire’s aftermath.
Fires in Rivne and Chernihiv Regions
The Rivne fires affected areas within the Klesiv Forestry and the Rivne Nature Reserve. More than 50 people and 13 specialized vehicles are involved in extinguishing the blaze. The fire also spread to part of the Selianskyi Lis complex. Similar to Zakarpattia, there is no danger to populated areas, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Separately, a large-scale forest fire has been reported in the Chernihiv region, triggered by shelling in border areas. This fire has engulfed approximately 2,400 hectares. The blaze was detected within the Yelynske and Tykhonovytske forestry districts of the Koriukivka forestry unit, located within a five-kilometer zone near the Russian border.
Forestry workers cannot reach the fire’s epicenter due to persistent danger. The situation demands heightened attention, as the fire’s scale is significant and requires urgent action.
These wildfires in Ukraine, particularly in western and northern regions, highlight the severity of the country’s forest fire problem, which is linked to both environmental factors and the broader security situation. Tackling such natural disasters requires coordinated efforts from emergency responders, foresters, and interregional support. In the Chernihiv region, shelling complicates the response, preventing swift intervention and raising the risk of even greater environmental damage.
As emergency teams work tirelessly to control the aftermath of the recent forest fires, it is important to note the severe impact of ongoing conflicts in the region. A recent incident of Russian shelling has ignited extensive forest areas in the Chernihiv region, exacerbating the challenges faced by firefighting crews. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both natural and human-induced threats to Ukraine's forests.