Air pollution recorded in Kyiv and surrounding areas due to fires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

Air pollution has been reported in Kyiv and surrounding areas due to wildfires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

The information was released by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

According to the institute, on June 27–28, combustion products had already worsened air quality and visibility in Kyiv, as well as in the Vyshhorod, Bucha, and Brovary districts of Kyiv region.

After analysing satellite images, the institute reported plumes of polluted air with elevated levels of carbon monoxide and particulate matter stretching up to 170 kilometres from the fire sites.

As of June 29, the fires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone were still ongoing. The institute added that if northerly winds develop, smoke could again spread toward Kyiv and nearby communities.

Earlier, media reported that Russia attacked a nuclear-fuel storage building in Chornobyl with drones in early June. The resulting fire, covering an area of around 40 square metres, was quickly contained and fully extinguished.