Фото: facebook.com/varena.lt
A forest fire that broke out on the Belarusian side of the border near the village of Sianoves in the Varėna District has spread smoke into southern Lithuania. The Lithuanian Fire and Rescue Department sent warnings to residents about elevated air pollution levels, Delfi reports.
According to Lithuanian authorities, the fire started on Friday afternoon. During the night, the flames spread into Lithuanian territory, but were extinguished there by 6 a.m. on Sunday. On the Belarusian side, the forest continues to burn. The villages of Sianoves, Piesčiai, Kabeliai, Marcinkonys, Margionys, and Šklėriai are affected by smoke, which is moving toward Druskininkai. Residents of the town and surrounding areas report a strong smell of smoke.
Lithuania’s National Public Health Centre warned of deteriorating air quality in the south of the country due to increased concentrations of particulate matter. Polluted air poses particular risks to children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Residents are advised to spend as little time outdoors as possible, keep windows closed, and carry out wet cleaning indoors.
Earlier it was reported that a 10-hectare forest fire near the village of Uzbierazh in the Hrodna District had been extinguished. Residents of a gardening cooperative reported the blaze on the evening of May 2.
Later in the day, the Emergency Situations Ministry reported another fire in the area of the Parechcha village council in the Hrodna Region. Around 30 hectares of forest are burning there. A Mi-8 helicopter has been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts.