Odesa Region Fires Cause ₴144M Damage from Air Pollution, Inspectors Report

Inspectors of the State Ecological Inspectorate of the Southwestern Region have estimated the damage caused by the burning of 55 hectares of reeds in Odesa region at UAH 144 million.

This was reported by the press service of the inspectorate.

According to the inspectorate, the fire occurred on February 23 and 24 in Odesa district of Odesa region outside the village of Yasky, a large-scale reed fire occurred. The fire, fueled by gusty winds, spread rapidly over a large area.

The reeds were burning in separate foci over a total area of 55 hectares. Almost 40 thousand tons of carbon dioxide were released into the air. State inspectors promptly calculated the amount of damage caused by the release of pollutants into the air. The amount of damage is almost UAH 144 million.

The probable cause of the fire is careless handling of fire by an unidentified person. The Inspectorate sent information to the National Police to identify the persons involved in the fire.

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In September 2024, environmentalists calculated air pollution damage caused by fugitive emissions of pollutants during a fire in the Lower Dniester National Park in Odesa region. They exceeded UAH 12 billion. On August 11, 2024, a large-scale fire broke out in the park, which lasted almost a week. The fire engulfed vegetation and reeds over an area of 3,670 hectares. The fire was extinguished only on August 18.

According to the inspection's calculations, the damage caused by air pollutant emissions is estimated at UAH 12 billion 192 million 293 thousand 413.

The probable cause of the fire was high temperature, which caused spontaneous combustion.

Кирило Бойко