Here is why the fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant poses no threat

A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday, but officials have confirmed that it does not pose a threat to the plant’s reactors. The fire, located at the base of a natural draft cooling tower, was reportedly not near any active reactors, which remain offline. The cooling towers, including the one involved in the fire, are currently not in use.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), experts observed thick, dark smoke rising from the northern area of the Zaporizhzhia plant after multiple explosions were heard in the evening. The IAEA team was informed by the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant operators that the fire may have resulted from a drone attack on one of the cooling towers. However, no damage has been reported that would compromise nuclear safety.

Ukrainian officials have emphasized that there is no danger to the public from the incident. The fire is confined to non-operational areas, and all nuclear reactors are secure. Radiation levels remain normal, and no evacuation orders have been issued.