A significant forest fire in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has prompted assessments from the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, which reported no expected exceedance of permissible radionuclide concentrations as of May 9.
The ongoing fire within the Chernobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve has led authorities to continuously monitor the radiation situation in the area. The Inspectorate stated that preliminary data from the Ecocenter indicated that the volumetric activity of the radionuclide Cs-137 in air samples collected on May 8, near active burning sites, reached 680 µBq/m³. This level, while exceeding control thresholds for the region, remains significantly below the maximum allowable concentration of 0.8 Bq/m³ set by Ukrainian radiation safety norms.
The equivalent gamma radiation dose rates are currently within the historical range observed in the Exclusion Zone and consistent with background levels across the rest of Ukraine. According to projections from the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, no exceedance of permissible Cs-137 concentrations in the atmosphere is anticipated for populations outside the Exclusion Zone.
Experts noted that the prolonged burning process and high temperatures can elevate combustion products into the upper atmosphere, potentially allowing them to migrate over considerable distances. Consequently, localized short-term increases in Cs-137 concentrations may occur where these products settle with precipitation or dust. However, the redistribution of existing technogenic radionuclides due to fires or storms does not introduce additional radioactivity and does not pose new risks that would necessitate intervention measures for public radiation protection.
In response to the fire, hundreds of firefighters are engaged in efforts to control the blaze, which has spread over an area of 1,200 hectares. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that adverse weather conditions, including prolonged dry spells and strong winds, have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Active measures are underway to extinguish hotspots and prevent further expansion of the fire into deeper forest areas of the Chernobyl zone.
A forest fire in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has raised concerns about radiation levels, but authorities report that current measurements remain within safe limits. Firefighting efforts continue as the blaze affects 1,200 hectares.