Ukrainian rescuers continue an operation to extinguish the fire in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone and forced relocation of residents from the Lubyansky forestry in Chornobyl zone in Kyiv region.

"As of 14.00 on June 30, the fire extinguishing continues, due to the combined use of ground and air forces, the area of the fire was reduced from twenty-five to eight hectares. Firefighting aircraft of the State Emergency Situations Service dropped about 152 tonnes of water (37 passes)," the press service of the State Emergency Situations Service said.

The total radiation background in the exclusion zone is within normal limits. There is no threat of the spread of the fire to other forest areas.

In total, 36 firefighting units and 125 employees were involved in the operation. The State Emergency Situations Service provided 16 pieces of equipment (including one Mi-8 helicopter and two An-32P aircraft) and 63 employees.