While the area of fires last year was almost 6,000 hectares, this year that figure (excluding newly integrated forestry enterprises) is six times smaller—just over 1,000 hectares. This represents only about 0.15% of the total area managed by the enterprise.

On average, about 1,500 fires occur annually in Ukraine over the last ten years, but this year there have been half as many—a total of nearly 700 fires extinguished.

Last year, the average fire size was 4.4 hectares, whereas this year it is 3.7 hectares, and this number is gradually decreasing (last week it was 3 hectares).

The forestry districts of the Podillia, Polissia, and Northern Forest Offices have been almost fire-free this year.

Thanks to the delivery of new equipment, the situation has been stabilized in the state forestry enterprises in the Kharkiv region that were integrated into the company at the beginning of the year. Due to vast minefields and proximity to the front lines, the Izium forestry district saw 8,000 hectares burned last year. This year, the fire area was reduced sixfold to 1,500 hectares.

Where were the most fires?

60% of all forest fires this year occurred in the Kharkiv region, with the vast majority in the Izium forestry district, which was formed just six months ago from the Izium, Kupiansk, and Vovchansk forestry enterprises. 90% of the territory is mined, which makes firefighting extremely difficult. Enemy KABs, missiles, and drones constantly hit the forests. The fires are often accompanied by the detonation of mines and ammunition.

Throughout the summer, fires caused by enemy drones and missiles occurred in the Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr regions. All of these fires were quickly put out by foresters.

In recent weeks, the Mykolaiv region has added to the negative statistics. Due to military factors, 48 hectares of forest caught fire, 19 of which were a crown fire that spread rapidly across the treetops. The hot and prolonged dry weather also contributed to the fast spread of the flames. The forest protection service, together with the State Emergency Service, quickly localized and extinguished the fire.

As a result of a winter with little snow and an unusually warm start to spring, forest fires broke out in the mountainous regions of Zakarpattia in March and April.

How is SE “Forests of Ukraine” working to reduce the area of fires?

New fire-fighting equipment is being purchased and deployed.

Tractors and equipment for creating mineralized strips are being acquired.

The motivation of forest protection and fire station employees is being increased.

The network of recreational areas is being expanded.

Joint training exercises with the State Emergency Service are held systematically.

Throughout the season, raids are conducted in forest areas, and protocols are drawn up for violators.