In the first four months of 2026, over 11,000 fires broke out in Ukraine’s ecosystems

According to data from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, over 11,000 fires occurred in ecosystems from January through April 2026. About 350 of them were the result of direct russian aggression. However, most were caused by negligence or the deliberate burning of dry vegetation. The highest number of fires was recorded in Lviv (1,873), Kyiv (1,247), and Ivano-Frankivsk (1,053) regions.

How to prevent fires: safety rules

Rescue workers are trying to prevent disasters by organizing preventive measures and using drones to detect arson in particular. Thus, since the beginning of 2026, over 1,600 people have been held accountable, and the total amount of fines imposed has exceeded 3.5 million hryvnias.

It is also noted that compared to last year, the number of fires has decreased by a factor of 2.3. During the same period in 2025, there were 26,438 fires in ecosystems.

To prevent fires, it is important to follow the safety rules outlined by the State Emergency Service:

• do not light fires in areas not designated for this purpose and do not leave them unattended;
• thoroughly extinguish the fire with water or soil before leaving the forest or park;
• do not throw cigarette butts or matches on the ground, especially in dry weather;
• do not burn dry vegetation.

Remember: fines for citizens for burning grass can reach 6,120 UAH, and in protected areas — over 12,000 UAH. If you see smoke or fire in a forest or field—call 101 immediately.

Read more about fire safety rules on the State Emergency Service website.

We urge you not to help the enemy destroy our home. Every patch of steppe or forest saved from fire is a contribution to the survival of Ukrainian nature.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Zakarpattia