A extremely tense situation continues in Kharkiv region due to large-scale forest fires and the spreading of unexploded ordnance left by Russian occupiers during the temporary occupation of the area
Local and state services are already preparing for evacuation to protect residents, as the fire has reached alarming proportions, and dangerous munitions are increasingly detonating in forests near residential neighborhoods. According to information released by Oleg Sinegubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, on Telegram, as of Thursday morning, May 4, approximately 20 hectares of forest have been affected by the fire in the Izyum district of Ukraine. The causes of the fire are attributed to destruction caused by combat actions and the influence of the wind, which significantly complicates the situation — a strong wind is helping the flames spread rapidly and makes containment more difficult. The official stated that evacuation of the population has already begun in this critical situation to protect residents from immediate danger, as the flames have approached residential buildings near the forested areas. Additionally, specialists are recording detonations of left-over munitions in the city and surrounding villages. This occurs because Russian troops, during the occupation, left a significant number of artillery shells and mines in the forest, which start unexpectedly exploding during the fires, creating even greater danger for local residents and rescuers. Oleg Sinegubov noted that a large-scale operation to evacuate people and contain the fires is currently underway in the region, but the situation remains challenging and dynamic. On the other hand, on the morning of May 4, Ukrainian forces reported powerful shelling with multiple launch rocket systems targeting the Borivska community in the Izyum district. As a result of the enemy strikes, fires broke out in this sector, spreading across large areas. Specifically, fires have affected over 2 hectares within the Borivske forestry and more than 5 hectares in the Chervonooskilsky regional landscape park of the natural reserve fund. Witnesses report that fire scenarios in the region have already become routine — this active conflict season is accompanied not only by the destruction of engineering structures and residential buildings but also by relentless firefighting efforts and the neutralization of hazardous munitions, which complicate the response and demand coordinated efforts from emergency services. Overall, large-scale firefighting work continues in Kharkiv region, with at least 11 separate fires already recorded. Five of these are linked to recent shelling by Russian troops, indicating ongoing active hostilities and so-called tactical provocations. In this complex situation, rescue workers, military personnel, and civil authorities are consolidating their efforts to prevent further damage and to save the lives of civilians risking exposure to explosions and the spread of fire. The current emergency was preceded by a major fire that occurred the day before — on Saturday, May 3, in the settlement of Velykyi Burluk in the Kupiansk district. There, following a massive missile strike by Russian occupiers on the central areas of the town, a fire of over 2,000 square meters broke out. Local emergency services confirmed this, noting that the shelling damaged residential buildings and infrastructure, creating additional tension for residents. Fires caused by combat actions and recent shelling outside the settlement have become a common danger, requiring daily efforts to combat. Such a situation demands maximum readiness from all emergency services, as ensuring people's safety and protecting the environment have become top priorities amidst the peak of active hostilities. The regional authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, heed evacuation recommendations, and avoid staying in high-risk zones until the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers and firefighters continue working under extremely difficult conditions, fighting fires and hazardous remnants of combat equipment to restore safety and provide for the needs of Kharkiv region’s inhabitants.