Investigators are currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the arson incident, which damaged the reserves’ territory, punishable by imprisonment for five to twelve years.
The prosecutor’s office is establishing all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the causes of the fire, potential suspects, and the extent of damage to the reserve’s assets.
Fire in the Osokorky Ecosystem
On the evening of March 5, a fire broke out in the Osokorky ecosystem near Lake Tyahle in Kyiv. Dry grass and reeds ignited, complicating firefighting efforts due to the lack of access roads for fire engines. The flooded area further hindered rescue efforts, as reported by the State Emergency Service.
Rescuers, utilizing special fire and rescue equipment along with a Bohun all-terrain vehicle, managed to extinguish the fire around midnight without damaging nearby residential buildings.
According to Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, approximately three hectares of land were destroyed by the fire.
The area holds nature conservation status, with penalties including a fine of 8.5 million hryvnias ($222,355) or up to three years in prison for the destruction of its flora and fauna.