Field mission of a joint expert group of REEFMC and Chornobyl Radioecological Biosphere Reserve into the postfire forests in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

As a result of field mission of joint expert group of REEFMC and Chornobyl Radioecological Biosphere Reserve postfire dynamic of forests burned during April 2020 fires in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone assessed. It was found that around 12000 ha died completely due to heat impact of intensive surface fire and in some places tourch crown fires. In most part of burned pine, birch, oak, alder forests nature seed regeneration of Scotch pine observed in amount 20000-50000 of seedling per hectar and root sprounting of other species. High dangeor of burned trees fall is found. Official report sent to the responsible Agencies.

Sergiy Zibtsev, Head of REEFMC