Forest fire spreads in Chernobyl exclusion zone following drone crash

A significant forest fire broke out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone on May 7, 2026, following the crash of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone). According to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone administration, the blaze has affected approximately 1,100 hectares (11,000 decares) of land. Firefighting efforts are currently being complicated by strong winds, which are causing the fire to spread rapidly. While some areas remain inaccessible to emergency responders due to the conditions, the authorities have officially confirmed that there is no detected increase in radiation levels in the vicinity. The exact origin and purpose of the drone involved in the incident have not been specified. Official sources emphasize that monitoring remains ongoing to ensure the safety of the affected area. The fire continues to be classified as active.