Massive wildfire burns through Chernobyl exclusion zone following UAV crash in Ukraine
A massive forest fire broke out in Ukraine’s Chernobyl exclusion zone on May 7, 2026, following the crash of two drones and has spread across approximately 1 200 ha (2 965 acres), according to the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve (CREBR). While the fire situation is under control as of May 9, the threat of landmines in the area coupled with strong winds and dry air continues to complicate suppression efforts.
Massive wildfire burns through Chernobyl exclusion zone - May 2026. Credit: Chernobyl Reserve
A massive forest fire broke out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine on May 7 following the crash of UAV drones, the CREBR reported.
By 08:00 local time (LT) on May 9, the fire had spread to approximately 1 200 ha (2 965 acres) across the territories of the Opachychi, Teremtsi, and Paryshiv Forestry Research Divisions and the Korohod Forestry District.
CREBR, in an earlier post, had reported that a UAV drone had crashed, causing the fire to break out. However, in the next update posted five hours later, the reserve confirmed that two drones had crashed in the reserve.
The most difficult situation is currently being observed in parts of the Opachychi Forestry Research Division, as well as on the left bank of the Pripyat River.
Strong wind gusts caused a crown fire to spread from the Teremtsi Forestry Research Division to the Paryshiv Forestry Research Division, resulting in the expansion of the fire area on the left bank of the Pripyat River.
A crown fire is a type of wildfire that burns and spreads through the treetops rather than along the ground. They can spread much faster than conventional wildfires under the right conditions and are difficult to control due to the height of the blaze.
CREBR is currently rescuing animals in the area as the fire spreads. At least 374 personnel and 84 units of equipment have been deployed to fight the fire. Radiation levels in the fire area remain within normal limits, ranging from 0.19 to 0.35 μSv/h.
The main personnel and equipment are concentrated on extinguishing open flames in the Opachychi and Teremtsi Forestry Research Divisions. Minor burning is also being observed in the Korohod forestry district.
Rescue workers and forestry personnel are extinguishing isolated hotspots in the forest floor to prevent the fire from spreading further. The situation is also being monitored from the air using drones to detect possible smoldering areas.
The Ukrainian State Emergency Service (SES) reports that the situation is under control as of May 9. However, the suppression efforts were being severely hindered due to the threat of landmines in the area.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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