Fires in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone Send Toxic Smoke Over Kyiv; Ukraine Blames Russian Drones

The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute reported on June 29 that wildfires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone have deteriorated air quality in Kyiv and several districts of the Kyiv region. The fires started on June 25. On June 27 and 28, smoke drifted south from the fire sites, polluting the air and reducing visibility in Kyiv and the Vyshhorod, Bucha, and Brovary districts.

According to the institute, data from the Sentinel-5P satellite showed plumes of polluted air stretching up to 170 kilometers, containing elevated levels of carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

Ukraine's State Agency for Exclusion Zone Management said the fires were caused by crashed Russian drones. As of publication, the fires are still burning. More than 200 people and about 60 fire trucks and other vehicles are involved in firefighting efforts, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, which noted that high temperatures are hampering operations.

The Hydrometeorological Institute warned that a northerly wind would push smoke toward Kyiv. The State Emergency Service said it is continuously monitoring radiation levels in the fire zone, and readings remain within normal limits.