Forest fire burns through Chernobyl exclusion zone after drone crash: Ukraine

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KYIV: A significant forest fire broke out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone on Thursday following a drone crash near the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster. By Friday morning, the blaze had consumed approximately 1,100 hectares of the radioactive forest, with strong winds and dry conditions driving its rapid expansion.

Ukrainian emergency services are actively working to contain the fire, though progress is slowed by the threat of hidden landmines in the restricted area.

Despite the proximity to the defunct plant, authorities have assured that radiation levels remain within normal limits.

The fire occurred as both Russia and Ukraine traded accusations of violating a recently announced two-day ceasefire. The exclusion zone remains highly sensitive to disturbances that could disturb radioactive particles trapped in the soil.

Photo Credits: AFP