An extreme fire danger warning has been issued for Kyiv and the Kyiv region from 4 to 6 August. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre is forecasting dry and hot weather, during which fires in natural ecosystems could spread rapidly if an ignition source is present. In the Kyiv region, temperatures on 4 August are expected to reach +35…+37°.
Briefly about the main points
- The warning is in force in Kyiv and the Kyiv region from 4 to 6 August.
- On 4 August, temperatures of up to +37° are forecast for the Kyiv region during the day.
- Rescue workers extinguished 31 fires in natural habitats yesterday.
- Forests, fields, peat bogs and areas of dry grass are most at risk.
- If you spot a fire or see smoke, you should call 101.
The heat and dry vegetation create conditions conducive to the rapid spread of fire
‘Extreme’ is the highest fire danger rating based on meteorological conditions. High temperature, the lack of rainfall and dry vegetation are not in themselves the cause of a fire, but, once a fire has started, they contribute to its rapid spread.
On Tuesday, 4 August, temperatures in the Kyiv region are expected to reach +18…+23° at night and +35…+37° during the day. In Kyiv, the temperature will be +20…+22° at night and around +35° during the day. The wind is forecast to be light, variable in direction, at 3–8 metres per second.
On 5 August, temperatures in the capital are expected to reach around +33°, and on 6 August, up to +36°. The greatest danger concerns forests, fields, peat bogs and dry grass. Peat fires can be particularly dangerous due to underground burning, heavy smoke and hidden burn-throughs, explains the State Emergency Service.
What to do when a warning is issued
The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre and the emergency services are urging people not to light fires in forests, tree lines or near dry vegetation, and not to burn grass, leaves, stubble or household waste. Unauthorised burning of vegetation is subject to administrative liability under Article 77-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences.
Drivers and holidaymakers should not throw cigarette ends or matches onto the roadside. Driving over dry grass can also cause a fire due to hot parts of the exhaust system.
If you see smoke or an out-of-control fire, you should move to a safe distance and call 101. The State Emergency Service notes that a small fire can be extinguished with water, soil or branches from deciduous trees, provided that this does not put anyone at risk; if the fire spreads, you must leave the danger zone.
How to prevent fires in natural ecosystems
In the Kyiv region, there has already been an increase in the number of fires involving dry grass, scrub and rubbish. Yesterday, emergency services carried out 31 call-outs over the course of 24 hours to tackle fires in natural ecosystems.
