Weather conditions over the next three days will make the outbreak and spread of fires in ecosystems highly likely — where sources of ignition, that is open flame, are present. This means hot, dry, windy weather in which grass catches from a single spark.

The warning was published by the Bucha District State Administration, citing the forecast of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.

Class five means everything will burn

The fire danger scale has six markings, from "none" to "prolonged extreme". The extreme, fifth class is shown on the regional map in solid red: it covers Kyiv, Chornobyl, Teteriv, Fastiv, Bila Tserkva, Myronivka and Yahotyn — in effect the whole Kyiv region.

For the Bucha district this has a specific meaning: there are many pine forests here, and in such weather the coniferous litter ignites instantly and burns as a crown fire, which ground forces can barely stop.

What is prohibited these days

Under the extreme danger class it is forbidden to burn dry vegetation and rubbish, light fires in or near forests, throw cigarette butts from car windows or leave glass in the sun, where it acts as a lens. Barbecues and grills are allowed only in designated areas.

A separate warning concerns stubble: the harvest is under way in the district at the end of July, and a fire in a field spreads to shelterbelts within minutes in windy conditions.

Who to call

If you notice a fire, call 101 immediately. The sooner a crew arrives, the smaller the area that burns: dry grass spreads flame at a rate of several metres per second.

The emergency service reminds the public that most ecosystem fires in summer are caused by people rather than natural factors. Deliberate burning of dry vegetation carries administrative liability, and where it destroys forest, criminal liability as well.

Nota bene

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