SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FIREFIGHTING IN RADIONUCLIDE-CONTAMINATED FORESTS OF THE CHORNOBYL EXCLUSION ZONE

Abstract

Introduction. Forest fires are dangerous for people and environment. Their extinction requires appropriate human and material resources. Fires in the Chornobyl radionuclide-contaminated exclusion zone are especially dangerous. The purpose of paper is to analyze the causes of forest fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone, the characteristics of their elimination taking into account the danger of radioactivity and using protection equipment. Results. The causes for the occurrence of fires in the forests of the Chernobyl exclusion zone are natural and manmade. The clutter of forest areas creates preconditions for the emergence and spread of fire. Radioactive contamination of forests is caused by poor care. Illicit logging and illegal visitors to the exclusion zone contribute to the fires occurrence. In case of a fire, radioactive elements in dust and combustion products extend over long distances. Radionuclides fall on the skin of the firefighter and penetrate the body during of breathing. Dust contributes to dissemination of radionuclides and is caused by the movement of people, firefighting engines, and work of manual and mechanical means. To choose methods of forest fires extinguishing in conditions of radioactive contamination, it is necessary to take into account the avoidance or minimization of firefighters’ direct contact with radioactive materials. Each of the traditional methods of extinguishing fires has its advantages and disadvantages, taking into account cost, efficiency and safety. The paper analyses the following methods of extinguishing: striking on flame, using water, throwing ground into flame, extinguishing by explosion, creating mineralized strips, opposite burning, use of fire aviation, and artificial precipitation. Firefighters have to use appropriate protective clothing and personal protective respiratory equipment during extinguishing a fire in a radioactive environment. Conclusions. To eliminate a forest fire in a radiation-contaminated zone, it is necessary to choose the appropriate method of extinguishing, taking into account the radiation hazard, and to apply the appropriate personal protective equipment. The fire aviation allows eliminating a fire by avoiding direct contact of firefighters with a radiationcontaminated environment.