The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine has confirmed that the recent large-scale forest fire in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is not expected to cause any significant increases in radiation levels. This announcement follows the fire that affected over 1,100 hectares in the region.
According to preliminary data from the EKOЦЕНТР, the concentration of cesium-137 (Cs-137) in air samples collected on May 8, near active fire sites, reached 680 µBq/m³. This figure is attributed to the extensive amount of wood and vegetation burned during the incident.
While these measurements exceed the control levels set for the area, they remain well below the maximum permissible radiation safety standards established in Ukraine. The agency noted that the gamma radiation dose rates observed are consistent with historical data for the exclusion zone and fall within the normal background fluctuations across the rest of the country.
Experts from the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety have indicated that no breaches of acceptable atmospheric concentration levels for the population outside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone are anticipated.
It was also highlighted that the prolonged burning process and high temperatures can cause smoke and combustion products to rise into the upper atmosphere, potentially leading to temporary increases in concentration levels upon settling with precipitation or dust in certain areas.
However, the redistribution of existing technogenic radionuclides due to fires or storms does not create additional radioactivity, according to the report. This phenomenon is seen as a mere redistribution within the environment, posing no extra risks that would necessitate intervention measures for public radiation protection.
Authorities have assured that radiation levels following the recent forest fire in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone will remain within safe limits. Despite some elevated readings, the situation poses no additional risks to public safety.