2026-05-02 19:25
publication
2026-05-02 19:25
A forest fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the Bohemian Switzerland national park in western Czechia. The fire has already covered 900 ha of the forest and 31 fire brigade units are fighting it. Two helicopters are used to fight the disaster. The third one arrives. A state of emergency was declared in the region.
The fire broke out in Rynartice, part of the Jetrzichovice commune in the park. There is a no-fly zone in the vicinity of the fire. Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited from flying over the action site.
According to firefighters, trees and their crowns are on fire, as well as forest litter. The element spreads beneath the forest surface, which is why there are several fire spots in the affected area. Firefighters carry out operations in difficult-to-reach areas.
The Ministry of the Environment announced that it is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the fire brigade and the management of the national park. If necessary, it is ready to convene a crisis team.
In the summer of 2022, firefighters intervened in the national park during the largest fire in Czech history to date. The fire spread over an area exceeding 1,000 hectares. 6,000 firefighters fought the flames for 21 days. They helped put out the fire, among others: Polish helicopter pilots. Residents of some communes had to be evacuated.
Due to the increased risk of fires spreading, meteorologists are calling on Czechs not to light fires, especially in forests. They should also avoid throwing cigarette butts on the ground or using portable stoves. People should also follow regulations and prohibitions that municipalities and cities may issue due to drought and fire risks.
Piotr Górecki (PAP)
ptg/adj/
