Russian Strikes Ignite Massive Fire in Ukraine's Ternopil Region, Causing Elevated Chlorine Levels

Russian missiles and drones struck energy infrastructure in Ukraine on the night of August 19-20, igniting a massive fire in the west of the country. The fire occurred in tanks with fuel and lubricants. The fire caused elevated chlorine levels in the air. 

This was stated on Tuesday, August 20 by Oksana Chaichuk, the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Ternopil region, during a briefing at the State Military Administration.

"With a norm of 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter, there is an excess of 0.4 to 1.01. From 4 to 10 times in atmospheric air. We advise residents of Ternopil to limit prolonged exposure to fresh air. Limit the access of atmospheric air to closed rooms. If possible, use a recuperator,” Chaichuk said. “Cover windows and doors with wet sheets so that the chlorine in the air binds with water and does not enter the room. Also, urge everyone to limit staying near water bodies."

Russia has been consistently targeting Ukrainian infrastructure throughout its full-scale invasion. At the moment Ukraine is suffering from an unprecedented energy crisis. Next winter is expected to challenge the Ukrainian people in a manner not witnessed in Europe since World War II.