A wildfire broke out in the Czech Switzerland National Park on Saturday, May 2nd, consuming approximately 900 hectares of forest land.
Wildfire Breaks Out in Czech Switzerland
A forest fire erupted in the Czech Switzerland National Park in western Czech Republic on Saturday afternoon, May 2nd. The fire affected Rynartice, a part of the Jetrzichovice municipality, within the park boundaries.
Multiple Fire Hotspots Reported
Firefighters report that trees, including their crowns, and forest floor litter are burning. The fire is spreading beneath the surface, resulting in several hotspots across the affected area. Firefighting efforts are hampered by the difficult terrain.
Two helicopters are currently being used to combat the blaze, with a third en route to the scene.
Government Monitoring the Situation
The Czech Ministry of the Environment is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the fire department and park authorities. The ministry is prepared to convene a crisis management team if necessary.
Previous Large-Scale Fire in 2022
In the summer of 2022, firefighters responded to a major fire within the national park – the largest in Czech history to date. The fire spread across over 1,000 hectares, and 6,000 firefighters battled the flames for 21 days. Polish helicopter pilots assisted in the firefighting efforts.
Some residents of nearby municipalities were evacuated during the 2022 fire.
Increased Fire Risk and Public Warnings
Due to the increased risk of wildfires, meteorologists are urging Czech citizens to refrain from lighting fires, especially in forests. They also advise against discarding cigarette butts on the ground and using portable stoves.
