Fire in the Carpathians: forces from three regions called in to fight blaze, prosecutors open case

A large forest fire in the Carpathians is being fought both from the air and on the ground, where local residents are helping rescuers. In total, more than 350 people have been involved in the effort.

This was reported by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service in Zakarpattia region.

As of 1:00 p.m. on May 6, rescuers and forestry workers are continuing to extinguish the fire on the territory of the Svaliava forestry district.

“The total area affected by the fire is about 75 hectares. A total of 352 people and 48 pieces of equipment have been involved in extinguishing the fire,” the statement said.

Aircraft from the State Emergency Service are also being used — a plane is operating at the scene.

According to the press service, 96 rescuers and 22 pieces of equipment have been deployed. Units from Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions have also arrived to help, bringing another 59 rescuers and 14 pieces of equipment.

In addition, 143 workers from the Carpathian branch of the state enterprise Forests of Ukraine and 10 pieces of equipment have been involved in fighting the fire. Another 43 local residents are also assisting.

As a reminder, a large-scale fire broke out in Zakarpattia on May 5 near Volovets on the slopes of the Borzhava Polonyna ridge.

Fire hotspots have been recorded over a large area, and the flames continue to spread.

Initially, 128 rescuers, 19 pieces of equipment, and aircraft were deployed to fight the fire. The head of the regional military administration said the situation was under his personal control, while the causes of the blaze are still being determined.

Meanwhile, the Zakarpattia regional prosecutor’s office is establishing the causes and circumstances of the fire. Law enforcement authorities have opened a criminal case and are checking information suggesting arson.