KYIV – The residents of Kyiv woke up to a thick smog on Friday, with the smell of burning fires hanging in the air. Ukrainian authorities advised people to stay indoors as air pollution levels soared due to wildfires in the region.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources attributed the increase in pollution to peatland and wildfires combined with autumn temperature changes.

According to a real-time database by IQAir, Kyiv ranked at the top of the most polluted major cities early on Friday, indicating a severe air quality crisis. The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change implicated fires in the Kyiv region as the likely cause of the pollution.

Wildfires in the Vyshhorod district, north of the capital, have been reported, intensifying concerns about suspended particles in the air such as dust, soot, and smoke.

Climate change has been a contributing factor to the increase in wildfires globally. The warming temperatures and dry conditions make it easier for fires to spread, posing a significant risk to air quality and public health.

Residents were advised to take precautions such as closing windows, limiting outdoor activities, and using air purifiers. Particularly, individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions were urged to adhere to these guidelines.

As the battle against air pollution continues, the Ministry emphasized the impact of seasonal variations on air quality and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the risks.