Fires in Chornobyl exclusion zone send toxic smoke over Kyiv. Ukraine says crashed Russian drones started them.
Wildfires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone worsened air quality in Kyiv and several districts of the Kyiv region, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute reported on June 29.
TL;DR
- Wildfires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone have impacted air quality in Kyiv and nearby regions since June 25.
- Smoke contains elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide and particulate matter, affecting visibility.
- Ukraine's State Agency for Exclusion Zone Management claims crashed Russian drones caused the fires.
- Over 200 personnel and numerous vehicles are battling the fires, which are exacerbated by heat.
- Radiation levels in the fire zone are being continuously monitored and remain within normal limits.