The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is currently fighting a fire that broke out after a Russian drone hit the sarcophagus of the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl NPP. According to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Svitlana Grinchuk, the fire has spread to the outer cladding of the arch of the New Safe Confinement (NSC) .
The ministry assured that the radiation situation is under control:
"No radioactive products have been detected exceeding the established limits. So far, there are no threats to the population. All technological systems and systems important for safety are operating normally.".
Updated . The State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management reported that extinguishing the fire of the filler of the outer casing of the sarcophagus is ongoing:
“3 shafts are operating at a height of 87 m with subsequent wetting of the insulation and membrane. Work is being carried out by climbers to partially expose the structures and fill the voids with fire extinguishing substances under the roof of the building… No deterioration of the radiation situation at the industrial site has been recorded in general. No release of radioactive products beyond the established limits has been detected.”.
The State Emergency Service noted that the work of rescuers is complicated by sub-zero temperatures, snow, and icing of the structure:
“Rescuers are working directly outside the protective structure – at a height of over 100 meters. The air quality is constantly monitored. The radiation background at the industrial site near the Chernobyl NPP does not exceed permissible values.”.
Earlier, the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management reported that as of 1:30 p.m., "centers of decay of the anti-radiation membrane have been localized on an area of 60 m2, and partial liquidation is underway on an area of 20 m2.".
"Given the scale of the fire, personnel at enterprises in the exclusion zone do not require additional radiation safety measures," the department noted.
Russia's strike on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant - what was reported
As we wrote, on the night of February 14, Russia attacked the shelter above the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl NPP.
"The only state in the world that can attack such facilities, occupy the territory of nuclear power plants, and conduct hostilities, completely disregarding the consequences, is today's Russia. And this is a terrorist threat to the entire world," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The strike was carried out by a drone with a high-explosive warhead.
