Schools Close In Kyiv Due To Smoke From Nearby Forest Fires

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5

WATCH: Forest Fires Ravage Outskirts Of Kyiv (drone footage, natural sound)

Authorities in Kyiv have closed schools after smoke reached the Ukrainian capital from nearby forest fires.

"Given the spread of smoke from the forest fires in a 30-kilometer radius from Kyiv and the heat, it has been recommended that schools be closed," city hall said in a statement on September 3.

All educational institutions were to remain closed on September 4.

Authorities have urged residents to keep their windows closed, avoid using their cars and limit time spent outdoors.

Forest fires have raged through 24 hectares of forest northwest of Kyiv for the past three days.

A fresh blaze broke out on September 3, engulfing 15 hectares of forest southwest of the capital.

Temperatures in Kyiv have beaten century-long records this month, reaching nearly 36 degrees Celsius in the first two days of September.

Based on reporting by AFP