ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF FIRES IN NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS ON THE STATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY IN THE ZHYTOMYR REGION

Abstract

Forest fires are a dangerous event that negatively affects all components of the environment and causes negative consequences for human health. In Ukraine, on average, about 3,500 forest fires occur annually, as a result of which more than 5,000 hectares of forest are burned. The article examines the main causes of forest fires and their impact on environmental components. Research results show that in 2022, the number of fires in Ukraine was 1.5 times higher than in 2021, and the losses amounted to UAH 438.9 million. In more than 200 cases, the area of fires occupied more than 5 hectares. The main causes of fires occurring on the territory of Ukraine, where military operations are taking place, are fires in plantations due to active hostilities, shelling by cruise missiles and shells, and the presence of explosive objects. However, it is currently not possible to assess the direct and indirect damage caused by the forest fires, because part of the territory where the fires occurred is currently under the control of the occupying forces or hostilities are underway. Only after the end of the hostilities will we be able to carry out instrumental research on the territories of the forests affected by the fires and calculate the economic and ecological losses that have been caused to the forestry industry of Ukraine. The analysis of statistical materials shows that the main causes of fires in the Zhytomyr region are the burning of forests, peatlands, agricultural lands and dry grass. It is worth noting that the main driving factor for the occurrence of forest fires is anthropogenic activity. Forest fires in radioactively contaminated areas pose the greatest danger to people and the environment. To prevent forest fires, forestry enterprises build fire and mineral strips, barriers, install fire prevention banners, panels, posters and carry out information work through mass media.