In the first 4 months of 2026, more than 11,000 ecosystem fires occurred in Ukraine. This was reported by Viktor Vitovetskyi, Director of the Department of Civil Protection and Preventive Activities of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
According to him, 27 people died and another 32 were injured as a result of these fires. At the same time, about 350 fires out of the total number occurred due to Russian aggression—all others were caused specifically by human negligence or the intentional burning of dry vegetation.
Vitovetskyi said that to prevent fires, SES specialists conducted more than 8,000 preventive measures, of which more than a thousand involved the use of UAVs: the use of drones is a new practice for the SES, which helps not only to detect the burning of dry vegetation but also to identify the perpetrators.
The SES continues to hold those who burn grass and leaves accountable; however, the fine amounts are unable to compensate for the damage caused. As of today, since the beginning of 2026, fines have been imposed on more than 1,600 individuals for a total amount of about 3.5 million UAH
The department reminds that to avoid tragedies, it is important to follow simple fire safety rules while in the forest:
- do not light fires in unauthorized places, and do not leave them unattended;
- before leaving, be sure to thoroughly extinguish the fire with water or cover it with soil;
- do not throw cigarette butts or matches on the ground, especially in dry weather;
- do not burn dry vegetation;
- if you notice a fire or smoke, immediately call 101.
The SES also urges people to remember: administrative liability is provided for burning dry vegetation—fines for citizens range from 3,060 to 6,120 UAH, and for officials up to 30,600 UAH. In nature reserve fund areas, the fine can reach 12,240 UAH.
Recall
In Zakarpattia, fire engulfed 75 hectares of forest. SES aviation and hundreds of rescuers from the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions were involved in the cleanup.
Most ecosystem fires are caused by arson - SES18.03.26, 17:32