Russian Attacks Destroy 25 Hectares of Drevlyansky Nature Reserve in Zhytomyr Region

Fire in Drevlyansky Reserve Forest Extinguished After Four-Day Battle

According to Главком: A blaze that tore through the Drevlyansky Nature Reserve in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region has been fully contained, following a four-day firefighting operation. The fire, triggered by Russian strikes, scorched approximately 25 hectares of protected woodland. Around 40 personnel from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) and local forestry protection workers were deployed to combat the flames.

Containment and Monitoring Efforts

To maximize efficiency, responders utilized 10 pieces of heavy equipment. Firefighters focused on the eastern and southern edges of the hotspot to prevent the fire from spreading further. Meanwhile, forestry workers constructed an internal parallel mineralized firebreak to limit the blaze’s advance. Drones were also deployed for aerial reconnaissance and real-time monitoring of the situation.

Earlier, in the Transcarpathian region, a large forest fire was tackled with the help of SES aviation. Source: Glavcom, citing the State Emergency Service.

These wildfires, particularly those in protected areas, are a direct consequence of Russia’s ongoing aggression. They pose a serious threat not only to Ukraine’s fragile ecosystems but also to public safety. The coordinated response by rescue teams and forest guards highlights the critical importance of protecting natural resources and managing environmental disasters amid active conflict.

The recent wildfire in the Drevlyansky Nature Reserve is not an isolated incident. A similar situation unfolded just days earlier in the Poliske Nature Reserve, where a prolonged firefighting effort lasted 12 days to extinguish a significant blaze. Such recurring environmental challenges underscore the urgent need for effective disaster management in Ukraine's protected areas. To learn more about this extensive firefighting operation, read about the 12-day battle against wildfires in the Poliske Nature Reserve.