The investigation is verifying all versions of large-scale fires in Luhansk region, the main ones are shelling attacks by illegal armed groups from the uncontrolled territory of Luhansk region, deliberate arson, spontaneous combustion of grass and forests due to weather conditions, and careless handling of fire.
The causes of fires in forests and residential buildings in adjacent settlements are being established within seven criminal proceedings. Preliminary legal assessment includes violation of the fire safety requirements established by the legislation, which resulted in the death of people, property damage on an especially large scale and other grave consequences (Parts 1, 2 of Article 270 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), the official website of the Prosecutor General’s Office said on Oct. 1.
Currently, 116 out of 146 fires have been extinguished. Rescue units are working in 30 areas of fire. According to preliminary estimates, the approximate area engulfed in fire is over 11,000 hectares.
