The normal level of current radiation in the area is 0.14 µSv / h (microsievert per hour), while the maximum allowed is 0.5 µSv / h. However, at the center of the fires, the measurement reached 2.3 µSv / h. There is no evidence that this radiation has moved towards the capital Kiev and not even Chernobyl, which continues with normal levels of radiation. Another measurement, made on Sunday, readied 0.34 µSv / h, just below the limit. In all, about 20 hectares were consumed by the flames. More than 120 firefighters, two planes and a helicopter are working to contain the fires. The area is within the 2,500 square kilometer perimeter that was uninhabited after the 1986 nuclear accident. Nowadays, it is taken over by forests, which can generate fires. However, many fires are caused by people who live close to the region, albeit accidentally. Ukraine’s ecological inspection service imposes tougher laws on anyone caught setting fire to the backyard, as it aggravates fires, especially during autumn and spring.
