Massive wildfire rages across Kharkiv and Donetsk regions: SES details potential causes, casualties, and impact

Since September 1, a massive forest fire has been burning across the Holy Mountains National Nature Park in Donetsk Oblast, spreading into Kharkiv Oblast. The blaze, which continues to challenge firefighters, is believed to have been sparked by enemy shelling.

During a briefing at Media Center Ukraine, Oleksandr Khorunzhyi, a spokesperson for the State Emergency Service, provided an update on the situation, highlighting the fire’s possible origins, the ongoing efforts to contain it, and its far-reaching consequences.

“We suspect that the fire was ignited by russian shelling, although careless handling of fire remains a secondary possibility. Strong winds and dry weather conditions have only accelerated its spread,” Khorunzhyi stated.

According to the SES, the fire initially broke out in the Holy Mountains National Nature Park, scorching approximately 5,000 hectares, before extending into the Studenok Forestry area in Kharkiv Oblast, where it has consumed another 1,500 hectares. The flames have reached the village of Studenok in the Kharkiv region, where two people were injured, including a rescuer.

In response, the local State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergency Situation has ordered the evacuation of 200 residents from Studenok, a village with a population of around 600.

Meanwhile, in the village of Yarova in Donetsk Oblast, the fire has destroyed buildings on 46 properties, as well as a truck and seven cars. Three people have been evacuated, though no casualties have been reported in Donetsk Oblast so far.

To combat the fire, a significant number of emergency personnel and resources have been mobilized from across the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad regions. In Kharkiv Oblast, 285 personnel and nearly 100 vehicles are engaged in firefighting efforts, while in Donetsk Oblast, around 200 firefighters and more than 40 pieces of equipment are on the ground.

One of the major challenges facing the firefighters is the presence of explosive ordnance left behind by the enemy, necessitating the collaboration of pyrotechnic teams with the rescuers as they work to bring the fire under control.  

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news