Myths about mine safety: what is true and what is a dangerous illusion

A dangerous area in one of the Nikolaev forests. Archive photo: «NikVesti»

The notions of mine safety may seem relatively safe, but they are often the ones that lead to tragedies. Does a mine really only explode once? Can pets smell explosives? And are all danger zones really marked with signs? In a country where mines have become a reality, knowledge and myths about mine safety can save lives.

Deputy Head of the Pyrotechnics Group in Mykolaiv Oblast, Oleksandr Antko, who has been working in dangerous demining conditions for several years, tells « NikVesti » about the most common myths about mine danger.

My own experience working in deoccupied areas, such as Snihurivshchyna, has shown that knowledge of mine danger is a vital necessity for everyone who is in a risk zone.

Let's consider the most common myths.

Myth #1: Mined areas are always marked with signs

People often believe that if an area is mined, it will be marked with bright signs or markings. This gives the impression that you can always see where the danger is. However, marking is not always possible or effective:

— This is not always the case. Marking is only when there is an opportunity to mark. If the fighting has not yet subsided or the area is difficult to access, then even if it was marked, the sign may simply disappear. This is not a guarantee of safety. Only an on-site inspection will answer the question of whether it is safe to be here.

Demining machine «Bozhena 5+». Photo: archive «NikVesti»

Myth #2: A robot or machine can always defuse a mine

Many believe that robots or special machines can completely clear an area of mines. However, the equipment cannot always reach all the mines or properly neutralize them.

— Although technology makes demining much easier, it is not a panacea. Robots cannot see all the dangers that are invisible on the screen. For example, small anti-personnel mines can simply stick to the robot’s tracks and fail to work. In addition, even after the robot has checked, sappers must manually check the ground, as the technology can miss mines hidden deeper or in difficult places. There was a case when a dog was blown up on an munition after it was checked by a machine. This only confirms that you cannot rely on technology alone.

Myth #3: A landmine explodes only once and from a single contact

Many people believe that if a mine fails to explode the first time, it is no longer a threat. However, a mine can remain dangerous even after the initial explosion.

— No, if a mine has exploded, it does not mean that it is safe. Parts of the explosive can fly away and remain deadly. The explosive can break off and remain waiting until something is done with it.

Sappers work on a minefield near Snihurivka, archive photo «NikVesti»

Myth #4: Old mines no longer pose such a threat

People sometimes assume that mines that have been in the ground for many years are no longer dangerous. However, explosives can still be dangerous even decades later.

— People often believe that if a mine has been in the ground for a few years, it is safe. This is not true. It is a mistake to expect a mine to decompose itself in the ground. We even find mines from World War II that are still exploding.

Myth #5: If a person steps on a landmine, they can just wait for help.

This is one of the most common myths that is rooted in cinema. In reality, when a person steps on a mine, the explosion occurs instantly. This situation cannot even be compared to movies, where the characters usually wait for rescue.

Oleksandr Antko recalls an incident when one of the sappers stepped on an anti-personnel mine. He was injured, but the mine could have torn off his entire foot, not just a few toes.

— Many people watch movies, and the common myth is that you step on a mine and stand there waiting for rescue. That doesn't happen, they work instantly. If a person steps on a mine, they are already injured. We had a case when our colleague stepped on an anti-personnel mine - he had several fingers torn off, although the consequences could have been much more serious, and he could have lost his entire foot.

Unexploded shells lie in destroyed yards. Photo «NikVesti»

Myth #6: Mines can be safely picked up or removed

In many films, the characters fearlessly pick up the pieces and everything ends well.

The idea that a mine can be safely removed seems too optimistic to be true. It has nothing to do with reality.

— Mines have very sensitive mechanisms, and even the slightest touch can cause an explosion. Many mines are equipped with mechanisms that are triggered when they are moved or their position is changed. This is a huge danger not only for the person trying to pick up the mine, but also for those nearby. Therefore, you should not even think about touching suspicious objects.

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Myth #7: Mines cannot be in «clean» territories

People often assume that if an area has not been the scene of fighting for a long time, it is already safe. However, even after conflicts have ended, the area can remain mined.

— This is a very dangerous idea. Even if the fighting has long stopped, you can’t be sure that the area is cleared of mines. Mines can remain in place for decades, and the ground will not clean itself. Therefore, every centimeter must be checked. Even after demining, residual danger may still be present. Mines can be hidden in unexpected places - underground, in trees, in water or in open spaces.

Myth #8: The risk of landmine explosions decreases in winter when the ground freezes

There is a belief that frozen ground reduces the activity of mines. However, this is not always the case, and working with mines becomes even more difficult in winter.

— The winter period does affect mine activity, but not always in the way we expect. If the ground is frozen, mines may not work due to the hardness of the soil. But working with them is still much more difficult - the ground does not allow for a correct assessment of the situation.

Sappers of the Ukrainian demining services work in the Shevchenkivsk community. Photo: «NikVesti»

Myth #9: Minefields are mostly located far from residential areas

There is a perception that minefields are always located far from residential buildings. However, mines can be located anywhere, even near residential areas, if it is of tactical importance to the military.

— Mines can be placed anywhere, even in rural areas where it seems like it makes no sense. They are placed not for the logic of proximity to residential areas, but to achieve military goals. Therefore, even the most peaceful places can have minefields.

Myth #10: Pets can sense landmines and avoid them

Another common myth is that animals can smell explosives and warn people of danger. While animals may be sensitive to some smells, they are not capable of detecting mines.

— Dogs are generally trained to find mines, but it takes a long time to train them. Specially trained dogs can smell the odors associated with explosives, but ordinary pets are not able to do this.

Myth #11: You can defuse mines yourself if you know their classification and appearance

It seems that if someone has enough knowledge about mines, they can safely defuse them. However, even a seasoned expert may encounter new technologies that cannot be defused without special tools.

— This is a big myth! Many people in the Mykolaiv region believe that they are experts in demining. You can’t just walk up to a mine, look at its appearance and figure out how to defuse it. This is strictly forbidden. Many people, just like in the movies, think that you just need to cut the necessary wire to make the mine safe. This is a big mistake, you need to know not only the classification of ammunition, but also have experience working with them, know what can be inside and under them. The latest mines are specially designed so that they are impossible to defuse without special tools and knowledge.

Myth #12: Stepping on a landmine means instant death

Many people believe that stepping on a landmine always results in instant death. However, the reality is not so clear-cut.

— In fact, the consequences of an explosion depend on many factors, including the type of mine. Many people who are hit by an explosion receive serious injuries, but do not always die immediately. If medical care is provided in time, the victim can survive, although the consequences can be severe. Therefore, one cannot immediately give up on those who find themselves in such a situation.

Sapper of the State Emergency Service Oleksandr Antko. Archive photo: «NikVesti»

Oleksandr Antko also recalls one instance when, while inspecting an area with power lines nearby, a man was struck by a landmine. It was very dangerous, as the man was seriously injured, and Oleksandr and his colleagues had to act instantly to save the victim's life.

«We put on tourniquets and quickly got him to the hospital. It was a situation where saving a person was urgent, and even seconds mattered,» he says.

Dispelling myths about mine danger, Oleksandr Antko emphasizes the importance of constant awareness and caution. Knowledge of safety rules can save not only from possible injuries, but also from mortal danger. While sappers continue to clear Ukrainian lands of mines, it is important to remember that the real danger is often hidden, and only attentiveness and training will help save lives.