Prevention and preventive measures are the most effective method to prevent large-scale fires in the Exclusion Zone

To ensure a comprehensive approach to fire prevention, reduce the time for their detection and elimination, DAZV has developed a "Comprehensive action plan to create (restore) a fire safety system in the Exclusion Zone and the zone of unconditional (compulsory) resettlement for 2021-2024 years ". The plan was supported by the Ministry of Environment, and it was discussed with interested CEBs and is being prepared for submission to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval.

This was reported by Acting Chairman of the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management Andriy Plyatsko, during a briefing at the UNIAN news agency, which was initiated by the Professional Association of Ecologists of Ukraine.

- “Prevention and preventive measures are the most effective method to prevent large-scale fires in the exclusion zone. After the April 2020 events, the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management, the Agency's management enterprises and relevant units of the SES and the National Police provided constant patrols in the exclusion zone during the fire-hazardous period”, Andriy Plyatsko emphasized.

Besides, last year in the exclusion zone was provided renewal and creation of firebreaks, installed artificial water tanks. One of the mobile operators in the framework of the "pilot" for fire safety monitoring has expanded its mobile coverage. With the funds allocated from the reserve fund, firefighting equipment was purchased.

In addition, last year in the exclusion zone was provided renewal and creation of mineralized strips, installed artificial water tanks. One of the mobile operators in the framework of the "pilot" for fire safety monitoring has expanded its mobile coverage. With the funds allocated from the reserve fund, firefighting equipment was purchased.

- Adviser of the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine Petro Testov, during the briefing emphasized: "The current climate change indicates that the old approaches to preventing and organizing the extinguishing of landscape fires no longer meet the requirements of the time. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment, with the help of Ukrainian and international experts such as Mr. Sergiy Zibtsev and Professor Johann Goldammer of the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), is developing a landscape fire management strategy. The main ideas of the strategy have already been discussed with stakeholders, and the Ministry of Environment plans to publish a draft strategy for public discussion in the upcoming months.

"I also want to emphasize the importance of the human factor. No precautionary measure will be able to provide 100% fire protection if people behave irresponsibly. The experience of the past years shows that fires can spread tens of kilometers from the place of the first fire, so every, even seemingly insignificant, unquenched fire in the forest is a threat", Petro Testov said.

- "For years we have been watching a situation where Ukrainians, instead of preventing a catastrophe, suffer from the consequences. When part of the environmental problems sinks into the flow of other manipulative topics, when the process of shifting responsibility takes precious time. Therefore, it is time to work together to save lives and health! It's time to look at the challenges comprehensively and with maximum responsibility of everyone! When a fire breaks out, something or someone (in most cases) provoked it, "said Lyudmyla Tsyhanok, president of the Professional Association of Ecologists of Ukraine.

- According to PAEU Vice President Valentyn Shcherbyna, the probability of fires in the spring in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone is very high! The general trends of climate change and the associated low water levels of rivers form abnormally low moisture content in wetlands and related forest ecosystems. Autumn without rain and snowless winter allow us to predict with a high degree of probability the highest level of fire danger in the spring of 2021 in the ChEZ and adjacent territories, the consequences of which will be unpredictably catastrophic.

- Sergiy Zibtsev, Professor of the Department of Forestry of Institute of Landscape Park Management of NUBiP of Ukraine and Head of the Regional Eastern Europe Fire Monitoring Center noted: “The Exclusion Zone is one of the most difficult areas in the world in terms of fire protection due to radiation pollution, accumulation of materials, extremely limited human, financial and technical resources, as well as insufficient fire infrastructure (road network, communications, reservoirs), fire prevention and extinguishing". Sergiy Zibtsev also mentioned that only a modern comprehensive plan will offer a systematic, coherent and unified approach to the problem.

- "In addition to the terrible consequences for nature and ecology, these fires have caused enormous damage to historical, cultural and man-made heritage in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which is now undergoing preparatory stages for museification and inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Chornobyl is the most famous place in Ukraine. And how we deal with it - is our image abroad. We should treat it as a complex but valuable legacy and categorically prevent the recurrence of fires.

At last year’s meeting in Kamianets-Podilskyi with the President of Ukraine, I emphasized the urgent need for continued increased attention to Chornobyl, assistance in resolving interdepartmental issues, and lobbying for priorities directly from the Administration of the President of Ukraine. Now, in front of the cameras, I repeat my request once again. After all, without sufficient attention and funding from the responsible state structures, no project, whether fire-fighting or development, is possible”, said Yaroslav Yemelyanenko, chairman of the Association of Chornobyl Tour Operators.

Source: DAZV of Ukraine